Bleach can be damaging to both air quality and the surfaces you use it on.
Its great for removing grass stains from white clothing, brightening towels, and sanitizing when illness strikes.
However, bleach isnt the best solution for everything.
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In fact, if bleach is one of your go-to cleaning products, youre probably over-using it.
“Bleach contains sodium hypochlorite and other chlorine-based compounds that release harmful fumes.
But dont get out that bottle of bleach just yet.
It turns out it wont get the job done entirely.
Bleach is ineffective against indoor contaminants,” Rubino says.
While it may kill surface mold, it does not remove dead mold particles, meaning exposure can continue.
Even the EPA advises that dead mold must be removed to prevent health risks."
Bleach also doesn’t work to tackle mold issues on these surfaces.
“This means the contamination can persist and even regrow over time.”
Colored Fabrics
Your mom was right.
You should never use bleach to wash anything that isnt white.
Duarte tells me never to use bleach on colored fabrics because it will permanently ruin them.
Say goodbye to your favorite shirt colors.
Bleach will create corrosion and ruin the finish, she says.
Instead, use a product specially formulated for this surface.
However, Duarte warns this can cause permanent damage.
It etches and damages expensive countertops, she says.
A multi-purpose cleaner or disinfectant thats labeled safe for natural stone is the best choice here.
Carpets
Did you accidentally spill some red wine on your carpet?
Bleach can cause discoloration and fiber damage to carpets, says Duarte.
Bleach destroys silk and lace," she says.
