the Complete Guide on How to Disinfect Without Bleach

Of the many chemicals that have been a part of a cleaning kit, few have had the enduring power to stand the test of time as bleach has. It is one of the best disinfectants out there and has many other advantages. It is inexpensive, is very effective and pretty uncomplicated to use. However, it is not the safest disinfectant out there and if you are wondering about how to disinfect without bleach then read on to find out about some excellent alternatives but before we do that, it is a good idea to understand why we need to look at alternatives for bleach.

Bleach is more harmful than you realize

While there is no doubt that bleach is an excellent disinfectant and sanitizer, it is the health concerns it possesses that makes looking for an alternative a worthwhile endeavor. It has been known for a long time that bleach can emit harmful fumes that can have long term respiratory issues. It can also cause allergies and other forms of skin irritation among a host of other health issues. In short, if you can find a safer alternative then that is the best course of action.

Vinegar and baking soda

This is perhaps the easiest to procure alternative to bleach. Both vinegar and baking soda can be bought off the shelf and you probably have some lying around the house already. How to mix them will depend on the cleaning power you need. For bathrooms and sinks, you can make a thick paste. For lighter applications, you can make a more diluted solution.

Lemon juice and borax powder

This is another wonderful combination that can work wonders when it comes to replacing bleach. Getting lemon juice is a pretty straightforward process that does not require much elaboration. Borax powder is commonly available at most hardware stores. Using this combo is pretty straightforward. You can squeeze the lemon juice and then mix it with the amount of borax powder that would give you the required strength. If you are in a hurry then you can simply cut a lemon in half, squeeze it slightly, dip it into some borax powder and then apply wherever you want to disinfect.

Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide

Vinegar pops up again, this time in the company of Hydrogen Peroxide. This combination can be used in places where disinfecting is critical such as in bathrooms and in general during flu season. It can match bleach’s disinfecting prowess without subjecting you to any of its harmful side-effects.

Tea-tree oil

This is one of the lesser-known disinfectants out there. However, its relative anonymity does not make it any less of a worthy alternative. In fact, it is one of the nicest alternatives to bleach. It has a pleasant smell and all you have to do is mix this with some warm water and spray it over the area you wish to disinfect. Again, the concentration depends on the potency you need.

Castile Soap

This is another lesser-known option to replace bleach. It is made of olive oil and is completely bio-degradable. Just dissolve it in some water and spray it wherever necessary. If you want something out of ordinary then this is a great alternative to bleach.