Bleach is one of the most commonly used cleaning products out there, but have you ever stopped to think if it is actually safe? The truth is, with bleach often comes an array of nasty side effects, from scratchy throats to irritated skin and itchy eyes. So, if you’re ready to clean smarter, safer, and greener, you’ve come to the right place. Read on as we explain why ditching bleach is a smart idea and what natural cleaning solutions you can use instead to get your home shining — sans the toxic aftermath.
Why Look for Bleach Alternatives?
Bleach might seem like a quick fix but in reality, it’s loaded with drawbacks:
Toxic fumes
Did you know that mixing bleach with certain cleaning ingredients – like ammonia or vinegar – can release dangerous fumes into your home? And that, when inhaled, these fumes can wreak havoc on your lungs [1]. We’re talking coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath… Yikes (double yikes if you have asthma)!
Skin irritation
Your skin can also take a hit if bleach is your go-to cleaning solution, especially if there is direct exposure. After all, bleach is a corrosive chemical. Redness is a common issue but in severe cases, you may even end up with chemical burns [2].
If you spot skin rashes or hives, it may be an allergic reaction – and that’s your cue to seek medical attention ASAP.
Weaker immune system
Extra dose of sneezes and sniffles, anyone? A 2015 study found that children in homes using bleach were 20% more likely to catch the flu compared to those in bleach-free households [3].
Not kid (or pet) safe
Kids are curious and so are pets, which makes toxic ingredients like bleach a true liability. In fact, a 2010 study estimated that over 250,000 kids ended up in the ER because of cleaning products – and bleach was the biggest offender, responsible for 37% of these incidents [4].
Not eco-friendly
Last but not least, using bleach won’t do Mother Earth any favours. The toxic fumes and chemicals we’ve been talking about are released into the air and eventually end up in our waterways. This means that every time bleach is used, our planet gets a little more polluted – and believe us when we say it all adds up.
Top Alternatives to Bleach for Cleaning
Bleach is a no-go, so what can you use instead?
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Vinegar and baking soda for cutting through grime
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Salt and lemon scrub for tough patches
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Olive oil and lemon for polishing natural wood and stainless steel
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Hydrogen peroxide and water for disinfecting
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Baking soda and water paste for stubborn stains
Using Probiotic Cleaners as a Bleach Alternative
We’ve given you a few bleach alternatives above but you may have noticed they’re all DIY… and who’s got time for that? If you’re looking for a more convenient solution, let us introduce you to the world of probiotic cleaning.
Unlike bleach, products like our Universal Probiotic Cleaner are made with nothing but eco-friendly ingredients that are safe for you, your pets, and our planet. No toxic fumes or harsh chemicals involved.
Powered by 60 billion probiotics, our natural cleaner works on every surface – from floors, mirrors and windows to toilets, sinks, countertops, you name it. Our formula is gentle, yet powerful, helping you achieve a clean that is:
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Balanced, fostering a healthy microbiome on all your surfaces
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Deeper, working microscopically to clean what you see – and what you don’t
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Longer, continuously cleaning for up to 3 days
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Fresher, not only controlling odours but eliminating them at the source
Benefits of Natural Bleach Alternatives
Ditching the bleach and using natural solutions instead means you can get your home sparkling clean without the dangerous chemicals, harsh fumes or pungent smells. They’re formulated with simple, biodegradable ingredients that aren’t just eco-friendly, but safe for your entire family – furry friends, included. And, they’re cost-effective.
All of this while being incredibly effective. Probiotic cleaners, in particular, are game-changers because they don’t just “kill 99.9% of all bacteria.” Contrary to popular belief, some bacteria are good and actually play a vital role in our survival.
It’s the bad kind, the kind that can lead to nasty infections, that you want to get rid of. That’s why our Universal Probiotic Cleaner works by introducing billions of good bacteria into your home, to outcompete the bad bacteria and prevent them from multiplying – resulting in a much longer clean than what you’d achieve with bleach.
Farewell Bleach, Hello Healthier Habits
It’s time to leave the harsh chemicals in the past and switch to natural bleach alternatives like probiotics. Choose Orbies for a fresh, effective clean that’s safe for everyone. It’s like peace of mind in a (spray) bottle.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441921/
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/chemical-burns
- https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/bleach-linked-to-childhood-infections/4rs4yp63v
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20679298/
