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If you are cleaning obsessed but don’t enjoy the chemicals that come with everyday cleaning products like Clorox bleach or other disinfecting and commercial sanitizing sprays, then you you might want to check out this homemade bleach cleaner option.
Not only is homemade bleach cleaner easy to make but its cheap and a fantastic way to rid your home or environment of toxic commercial cleaners.
This is also a great alternative solution that works in a pinch if you find yourself without your favorite cleaning products.
Making your own homemade bleach alternative is super easy and works even better for disinfecting and laundry than the commercial guys. Its also easy to make and of course better for your health in the long run due to less fumes!
What Ingredient Cleans Better than Commercial Bleach?
So what is the main ingredient in this awesome cleaner? Hydrogen Peroxide! Yep, this wonder peroxide is an oxidizer, bleaching agent, and antiseptic.
According to the CDC, hydrogen peroxide is effective at removing microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses, and spores, making it an excellent alternative to commercial bleach products.
Because of its effectiveness to kill germs, hydrogen peroxide is great for use in bathrooms, on most surfaces, kitchen areas, and even hospitals.
Who knew?!
Now- I will tell you that Hydrogen Peroxide is not a “natural product” – its still a type of chemical which you want to be careful with when using around pets and kids. But the plus side is that the chemical fumes are no where near that of standard bleach cleaners etc. And its much gentler on surfaces and even skin.
Does Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfect?
Hydrogen peroxide works by breaking down into oxygen and water being kind to the environment. You can use it to disinfect, sanitize, and deodorize hundreds of surfaces and items around your home. It is also a powerful oxidizer, making it useful for whitening and bleaching things, too.
Hydrogen peroxide will even kill bacteria like staph and many viruses brought into our home unknowingly today. To get the most disinfecting power, look for 3-6% hydrogen peroxide solution for making your homemade bleach cleaner.
You can make a hydrogen peroxide and water solution to use anywhere, but we like to add a few natural scents to make the overall cleaning experience a bit more pleasurable… if that’s possible. Some of us actually like to clean 😉
A few simple ingredients can make your own homemade alternative bleach that is just as effective as store bought. Check out our favorite recipes below.
Bleach Alternative Cleaner:
- 1½ cups 3% hydrogen peroxide
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 12 cups filtered water
Combine the ingredients in a gallon-size bottle. Use to disinfect, whiten laundry, and clean kitchens, bathrooms, grout, ceramic tiles and tubs.
Mix all ingredients together and keep in a 64 oz jug or these glass amber bottles on your washer. Unlike bleach, Hydrogen Peroxide is color safe when diluted. If you want to test on fabrics, just put a dab on an inconspicuous corner and allow it to sit for a small period of time.
Use 1/2 – 3/4 C for each load that needs brightening.
All Purpose Bleach Cleaner
- 1 cup hydrogen peroxide (3-6%)
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 8-10 drops mint or eucalyptus essential oil
- 8 cups of water
Mix all ingredients together. This will make a lot of solution, so you’ll need a gallon size container (we like these 32 oz glass amber growlers). Use 1 cup of this bleach alternative with your load of laundry.
Spray liberally on surfaces and allow to bubble for a few minutes before wiping away. This will ensure it has done its job and killed the bacteria and viruses on surfaces.
A few tips– Don’t use the concentrated formulas on dark marble or carpet- instead dilute it more. It can leave residue on darker surfaces and it can bleach areas if left too long. If used on a regular basis, it can cause discoloring. Therefore, its best to test it on a discrete area first if you have a colored surface.
Disinfecting Soak For Toys and Household Items
If you need to clean and sanitize lots of plastic toys, non electrical medical equipment, and other such household items you can make a nice disinfecting soak with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Super simple to do and will have you feeling relaxed about the items you might share in the home.
- 4 cups hydrogen peroxide
- 1 cup filtered water
Soak your kids toys, toothbrushes, plastic containers, etc., for 10 to 20 minutes. Remove and dry with a rag or paper towel. Repeat weekly or even daily if they are being used often.
Final Thoughts
Many people are on the lookout for more natural cleaning solutions to use in their home. Hydrogen peroxide is such a great cleaner in a number of ways and can be used for almost any purpose. Its much safer than commercial bleach and works even better. It’s really a great option for those looking for more healthy alternatives.
You can now ditch that bleach that you are using in your laundry as well. Not only is it dangerous to have around the house with kids, it’s not very good for your skin or clothes even.
You can use peroxide to keep your family safe and healthy when it matter most and know that you are doing your best to for the environment as well.
Ester J says
Yesss! Just what I was looking for. I ran out of my regular bleach and can’t find it anywhere but I have a giant container of hydrogen peroxide I used for when kids get cuts or scrapes. I had no idea you could use it for so many things. Even killing nasty germs and viruses.
Thank you so much furor sharing these recipes- we are gonna get back to cleaning now during these crazy times!!
Stay safe and be blessed!