Cleaning with a solution of bleach and water vs. store bought cleaner?

Question

What's better for getting a surface clean and disinfected at the same time? I used a store bought "cleaner with bleach" and I was wondering what's the difference between that and "bleach diluted with water?" Which one is more effective?

Answer 1

As a homebrewer, I've used a dilute bleach solution for sanitizing many containers (glass carboy fermenters, beer bottles, etc.)

A very dilute bleach solution (even 1/2 cup in 5 gals) will clean most residues with soaking.  It also kills germs very well.  Being so dilute, it's also very inexpensive.

It probably wouldn't work well as an immediate cleaner.  It's much better for soaking stubborn stuff off.

I've also used bleach to clean a toilet bowl.  Pour in just a little and let it sit for about an hour.  Come back to clean like normal.  I've also left a little bleach (about 1/4 cup) in the toilet when leaving for vacation.  No mold or mildew growth when I return two weeks later.

Another problem with bleach, it can corrode stainless steel.  It works great on plastic and glass surfaces.  Just don't let it soak on any stainless!

Many of the cleaners you're talking about have an abrasive powder (e.g. pumice or something else) to aid in scrubbing.  Diluted bleach will not.

Never mix your cleaners.  For example, never mix bleach with an ammonia cleaner.  The two chemicals will react and release toxic fumes of chlorine gas......very nasty.

Hope this helps some.

Answer 2

try Simple Green Disinfectant -get rid of the bleach cuz it's dangerous & caustic.

Answer 3

just add some dish soap to the mix then you will have the store bought stuff,  

Answer 4

Bleach and water is a great disinfectant but if you need to degrease anything it's not so effective. Cleaners with bleach have other ingredients in them to tackle usual household yuck. I'd go with the cleaner with bleach if you're generally cleaning

Answer 5

Bleach is really not necessary with most normal day to day cleaning around the house. It is too harsh and dangerous for animals and children. Save your money, health and the earth!

All household cleaning can be done using the following products:-



1 x 50-ml Bottle Lavender Oil

1 x 50-ml Tea Tree Oil

1 x 10ml Oil of Cloves

1 x 1 litre Vinegar

1 x 500g Bicarb Soda

1 x 500-ml Spray Bottle (complete with colour coded Nozzles)

1 x Pack Pantyhose

1 x Tooth Brush

1 x Slurpex Miracle P.V.A. Chamois Block

Source any of her books for every cleaning solution imaginable. Her knowledge is AMAZING!