A recent survey revealed that 68% of UK households have reported respiratory discomfort due to the use of chlorine bleach and other harsh cleaning products.
Eleanor Potter, Head of Strategic Sourcing at Plumbworld, warns against the dangers of mixing chlorine bleach with other cleaning products. Instead, she recommends using safer alternatives for cleaning, such as hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and vinegar.
Eleanor Potter:
“To keep your bathroom pristine without bleach, prepare a disinfecting solution by mixing hydrogen peroxide with water in a spray bottle, then apply, let it sit for a few minutes, and gently scrub if needed before rinsing off. For a versatile cleaning mixture, blend water and vinegar in equal parts, adding a bit of lemon peel to enhance its cleaning efficacy and leave a refreshing scent. Be cautious with vinegar on sensitive surfaces like marble and stone to avoid damage. In your laundry, adding a half-cup of baking soda can improve cleaning effectiveness and leave your clothes smelling fresh, reducing the need for harsh laundry detergents.”
Health Risks Associated with Chlorine Bleach:
Respiratory Issues:
- Inhalation of fumes can lead to coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
- Prolonged exposure may result in chronic respiratory problems and exacerbate conditions such as asthma and COPD.
Chemical Burns:
- Direct contact with the skin or eyes can cause irritation, redness, and burns.
- Exposure to concentrated bleach can lead to severe skin and eye damage.
Formation of Toxic Gases:
- Mixing bleach with ammonia produces chloramines, harmful gases that can cause coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and irritation to the throat, eyes, nose, and lungs.
- Bleach combined with acids (like vinegar) releases chlorine gas, which, at high concentrations, can cause coughing, breathing difficulties, damage to the respiratory system, and even pulmonary oedema.
- Combining bleach with alcohol results in chloroform, a compound that may lead to dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness, and even long-term liver and kidney damage.
Allergic Reactions:
- Exposure may trigger or exacerbate allergic reactions, manifesting as sneezing, itching, and skin rashes.
Safer Alternatives:
Hydrogen Peroxide:
Hydrogen peroxide serves as a safer cleaning solution, acting as a potent antimicrobial agent capable of eliminating bacteria, viruses, fungi, and mould spores.
Unlike bleach, it breaks down into water and oxygen, leaving no harmful residues or toxic fumes behind. It is suitable for a variety of surfaces, including countertops, chopping boards, and bathroom fixtures, although it should be used in a diluted form to ensure safety and prevent potential damage to surfaces.
Vinegar:
Vinegar, particularly white vinegar, is renowned for its natural disinfectant properties. Its acetic acid content makes it effective against various pathogens.
While not as powerful as hydrogen peroxide or bleach against all germs, vinegar poses significantly less risk for household use. Vinegar is ideal for cleaning windows, mirrors, and surfaces. However, it should not be applied to natural stone surfaces like granite or marble, as its acidic nature can etch these materials.
Eleanor Potter, Head of Strategic Sourcing at Plumbworld:
“To address clogged drains, a combination of baking soda and vinegar does the trick, with a hot water rinse to clear everything away. Tackle kitchen grease with a baking soda paste that’s effective yet gentle on surfaces, and use vinegar to remove limescale from kettles and coffee makers, finishing with a few cycles of plain water for rinsing. Incorporating essential oils into your cleaning solutions can enhance their cleaning ability and infuse your home with a naturally pleasant fragrance. These steps offer a straightforward approach to maintaining a clean and welcoming home environment.”
