Four reasons bleach isn’t the miracle cleaner you think it is

Despite the hundreds of products on store shelves, many of us still reach for a bottle of chlorine bleach to clean our homes. The nostalgic smell can instantly make the space feel clean, and the potent formula makes us feel certain that germs and mould are completely gone.

But using chlorine bleach to clean isn’t as simple or as effective as it seems, and it could actually be damaging your home and has the potential to harm your health. Experts told nine.com.au there are better and safer options for most cleaning needs, what bleach should actually be used for and how to use it safely.

Bleach isn’t necessary for regular cleaning

Microbiologist Cindy Gunawan, Associate Professor at the Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, said for general routine cleaning soapy water is all you need to effectively clean household surfaces.

Cleaner Alex Symons, owner of Outshine Cleaning Co, agreed, adding that bleach isn’t used in his business at all.

“Bleach should not be relied on to remove dirt, grease, soap scum or limescale as its primary purpose is to disinfect,” he said.

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“For routine household maintenance cleaning we don’t believe bleach is necessary … Today, there are many non-toxic products available that effectively remove soap scum and dirt.”

As for whitening in the laundry, oxygen bleach is considered a better alternative to chlorine bleach as it is safe for use on coloured fabric, gentler on fibres and eco-friendly.

Bleach can be useful for disinfecting and killing mould, but surfaces must be non-porous. It also needs to be used correctly by removing the dirt from the surface first with soapy water before applying bleach, which should be in contact with the surface for a sufficient amount of time to be able to disinfect.

“Bleach is recommended for use as a disinfectant in cases of diarrhoea, in sanitation after flooding, to kill mould on hard surfaces (toilets, sinks, floors), as well as to de-contaminate (for example, blood),” Gunawan said.

Bleach can make mould worse 

While bleach is suitable for use on non-porous surfaces, it can make mould worse when used on porous surfaces like wood and painted walls.

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“Moulds have ‘roots’ called hyphae [which] grow into the porous ‘cavities’. Use of bleach will only reach the surface, leaving the hyphae viable, in turn, moulds can re-grow. Commercial bleach also has high water content, trapping the water in the ‘cavities’, further fuelling mould re-growth,” Gunawan explained.

The whitening effect of bleach also makes it look like it’s effective at removing mould on porous surfaces, but the mould is still there.

“As the bleach will only reach the surface, it will only kill mould at the surface. Chlorine bleach is a strong oxidiser, it damages the mould cell walls and kills the mould,” Gunawan said.

“The bleach also oxidises mould pigment which lightens the pigment causing the surface mould to ‘lose’ colour. Therefore, using bleach on porous surfaces can give the misleading impression that the mould has been entirely killed due to colour lost, while their hyphae (roots) in the materials’ cavities are still alive, and can cause re-growth.”

Bleach can cause damage

You might not notice it straight away but using bleach the wrong way or on the wrong things can cause damage or discolouration over time.

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Symons listed “natural stone such as marble or granite, timber, some metals, coloured grout, certain fabrics and some painted or sealed surfaces” as items not to use bleach on.

Gunawan also warned against using it on metal surfaces like stainless steel “as it is corrosive and promotes rust”,  electronic items, screens, leather and rubber.

Speaking of rubber, pouring chlorine bleach down the toilet isn’t a good idea either.

“We would not recommend doing so. For routine toilet cleaning, we recommend using a quality toilet cleaner along with a toilet brush to physically remove dirt and build-up. Bleach can be harsh on rubber seals and other plumbing components over time and isn’t an environmentally friendly option,” Symons said.

The bathroom floor is another surface that people like to give the bleach treatment, but that too will not only end up ruined, it also won’t be cleaned properly.

“Bathroom floors need cleaning rather than bleaching. Dirt, hair and soap residue are best removed using an effective floor cleaner and microfibre mop. Bleach can leave strong odours, may damage certain flooring materials or grout over time and doesn’t replace proper cleaning,” Symons said.

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Bleach can be a health hazard

The strong fumes and harsh chemical mean gloves must be worn, and the room needs to be well ventilated with windows and doors open when you’re using it.

“It can irritate your skin and then give you burns if you are using it regularly without using proper personal protective equipment (PPE),” Krishna, founder of Bloody Good Cleaners, said.

There is also a risk of accidentally creating toxic gases if you are also using other cleaning products, such as vinegar, in the room.

“Mixing it with ammonia-based products – an easy mistake with what’s already under most sinks – is genuinely dangerous,” Krishna said.

If you are using bleach to disinfect or whiten surfaces it’s vital that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging. This will explain how to use it so that it actually does what you need it to, and you stay safe.