Learn how to effectively clean without sacrificing your family’s health with this safe and effective DIY natural bleach. You can use it to clean as well as keep your laundry bright white!
“Bleach! Add to the toilet, pour it into the laundry to brighten the whites, but DO NOT inhale it or get it onto your skin!” – This was my knowledge of this harsh chemical growing up. I never knew natural bleach alternatives could be made or how to effectivity clean without traditional cleaning products.
I remember learning to clean with my mom, watching her pour bleach into the toilet to remove that dreaded toilet ring. The smell was unbearably strong, but this was how we cleaned and sterilized, so I thought nothing of it. I can also remember spraying bathroom cleaners containing bleach into the bathtub and having to walk out of the room before scrubbing. That burning in my lungs after being contained with them in the bathroom was intolerable. But again, this was normal. Update: my mom does not use such harsh chemicals to clean anymore!
I continued to clean this way through the beginning of my adulthood, until I found out I was having my first child. Like many expecting moms, my approach to the harsh chemicals I was exposed to drastically changed at the horrific thought of harming my unborn child. I began to remove as many toxins in our home, cleaned up my diet, and simplified my beauty products. Bleach no longer is used in our household, along with numerous other cleaning products. My husband thought I was crazy when I was tossing out all of these items!
WHAT’S SO BAD ABOUT TRADITIONAL BLEACH?
Bleach is highly toxic and can be very dangerous to the lungs and should NEVER be inhaled. When bleach is combined with other cleaners, new, and even more toxic chemicals are created: chemicals that you definitely don’t want your family breathing! Bleach incidents with children also account for 25% of the calls made to poison control each year. This is definitely not a phone call any parent ever wants to make. So, why do we use such a strong chemical around our families?
WHAT DO YOU USE INSTEAD OF BLEACH?
This recipe for a natural bleach alternative contains only four ingredients, smells great, and cleans just as effectively as traditional bleach. Baking soda has been known as a powerhouse cleaning ingredient for years with more uses than I could list. Hydrogen peroxide is as effective at removing germs as traditional disinfectants when allowed to sit on a surface for a short time. (Source) Lemon juice contains naturally occurring citric acid which helps to break down stains and brighten laundry. (Source)
HOW SHOULD YOU STORE A NATURAL BLEACH?
This natural bleach should be stored in a dark container. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down when exposed to sunlight so a dark container is necessary to prevent this.
You can use a dark amber colored jug, jar, or even wrap a brown paper bag around a clear bottle secured at the top with a rubber band. Just keep the light from reacting with the hydrogen peroxide inside.
Alternatively, if your laundry room is not exposed to sunlight, then any bottle should be fine to store the solution in.
A NOTE ABOUT THE INGREDIENTS
I use lemon juice in my natural bleach since lemons are easy to grab at the grocery store and I don’t have to purchase anything special off amazon. Lemon juice naturally contains citric acid so it gets the job done just fine. However, if you have hard water, the citric acid may be a more effective choice.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO MAKE A NATURAL BLEACH
¾ cup Baking Soda
¾ cup Hydrogen Peroxide
¼ cup Lemon Juice (or Citric Acid)
7 cups Water
1/2 gallon jar or larger
HOW TO MAKE A NATURAL BLEACH
- I use a measuring cup to mix the baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon juice then add it to a dark jar for storage. I add the water last directly to the jar.
- To the jar, add the baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, and water.
- Shake well and pour into dark storage jar.
- To use: add 1 cup per washing load at the hottest water setting available.
DIY Natural Bleach
Equipment
- 1/2 gallon jar or larger (Amber works best)
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup baking soda
- 3/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (Or Citric Acid)
- 7 cups water
Instructions
- I use a measuring cup to mix the baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon juice then add it to a dark jar for storage. I add the water last directly to the jar.
- Shake well to incorporate all ingredients before use.
- Add 1 cup per washing load at the hottest water setting available.
PIN FOR LATER:
