Natural Bleach Alternative
No offense Clorox, but I personally hate using bleach as a cleaning agent. The smell is too powerful, it turned my black leggings into polka dot leggings, and bleach can be dangerous and harmful to the environment. Yes, bleach can be a good way to whiten your whites and disinfect your bathroom. But there are alternatives that work just as well. Let's start by talking about the harmful effects of bleach so you'll be on my side here. I am not spewing propaganda. This is not a hate crime. Bleach can cause irritation to your eyes, skin, lungs and mouth...and that's before you try drinking it! Also, if combined with ammonia, bleach can result in the release of toxic fumes. DON'T MIX BLEACH WITH AMMONIA! Not even for fun! (If you're looking for a fun, safe explosion, combine baking soda and vinegar.) On top of it all, bleach has that painfully strong, hospital-style smell. Who wants to come home to that?
Alas, I provide you with some alternative options.
For cleaning, you can create this elixir in a gallon jug:
- 1 1/2 c. 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 1/2 c white vinegar
- water to fill gallon jug
- 10 drops of lemon oil (or 1/4 c lemon juice)
Voila! Try using that in your bathroom instead of bleach.
And for laundry, simply add a cup of hydrogen peroxide. It'll whiten your whites. And don't forget the power of lemon juice mixed with sunlight! A great way to remove stains.