Is Bleach A Good Floor Cleaner? – Busting Cleaning Myths

Bleach is probably one of the most common agents used for cleaning different household surfaces. You might think that bleach can do all the work in terms of cleaning and sanitizing. However, it might not be the case. So, is bleach a good floor cleaner? Before you mix bleach with water for cleaning purposes, read this complete guide to know more about its proper usage.

Most households use bleach as a general cleaner. But one crucial thing we should remember is this- bleach is used to disinfect, not clean. If you want to get rid of germs lurking around, then bleach is a powerful agent you can use. However, if you're going to get rid of dirt and other residues, bleach may not as helpful as you might think. Stains on the floor or sink won't be removed by using bleach alone. To clean surfaces, you will need a proper cleaner before using bleach for disinfecting.

Using Bleach Effectively

Bleach is a powerful sanitizing agent you can use to keep your home free from germs, molds, and mildew. Commercial products can be more expensive than home-made bleach solutions. Then, is bleach a good floor cleaner? Giving your floors a weekly mop with a bleach solution can effectively disinfect it to keep your home safe and germ-free. Here’s how to make a simple beach solution:

1. Make sure to open your doors and windows since bleach can emit toxic fumes and strong odor. A well-ventilated room can reduce and remove them from your home.
2. Give your floor a good sweep to get rid of dirt and other particles around.
3. In a bucket, combine one cup of bleach to 5 gallons of warm water. The water will dilute the bleach and make it less corrosive.
4. To clean the floors effectively, mix a solution of soap and vinegar. Add 2-3 tablespoons of dish soap and ½ cup of white vinegar into ½ gallon of warm water. Use this solution to clean the floor.
5. Once done, soak your mop into the bleach solution. Get rid of excess water and mop the floor generously. Make sure to reach all nooks and crannies including those hard-to-reach areas.
6. Allow the floor to air dry.

Other Considerations

So, is bleach a good floor cleaner? The answer is- it can sanitize but not clean effectively. Beach can be used for various purposes, depending on how you use it. Here are some basic aspects you need to know before using bleach:

It Doesn’t Clean, It Disinfects

Bleach is useful in disinfecting and getting rid of germs and bacteria on your floor and other surfaces. However, it's not effective in removing stains, dirt, nor grime. This is because its formulation does not include surfactants, which are essential in grime and debris removal.

Using bleach on kitchen counters is also not ideal. Aside from not thoroughly cleaning it, bleach can also leave your counters vulnerable to degrading. The harmful chemicals of bleach can result in counters losing their luster and shine. It can also leave your surfaces feeling rough and coarse.

Not Effective in Mold Removal for Wooden Surfaces

For mold removal, bleach can be an effective agent for hard and non-porous surfaces. However, it won’t do the trick, especially for wood surfaces. So, is bleach a good floor cleaner? When you need to remove mold from ceiling tiles, wallboards, wood floor, or fabric, using a beach is not ideal.

Molds on wood materials have deep implanted roots. Your cleaner should be able to soak and absorb into the surface to kill the roots. Bleach has properties that make it unable to absorb into wood materials. Thus, using bleach won't kill the roots of the molds effectively. 

Short Shelf Life

Generally, you won’t find any expiration dates in bleach bottles. However, 90 days after bleach is packed, it loses 50% of its strength already. Thus, it might not disinfect effectively after a year. If you usually keep jugs of bleach handy, then it might be time to get rid of them. Purchase only when needed to ensure you get the best possible result.

Conclusion

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