5 Non-Laundry Uses For All-Purpose Bleach
From sanitizing garden tools to making pre-loved items look brand new, bleach can do it all!
Looking for a home cleaning staple that is truly the jack of all trades? Enter all-purpose bleach. While bleach has strong components that aren't compatible with some of the materials found in most homes, you can't deny that this solution is as versatile as vinegar. Nothing compares to its dirt-fighting power, plus, it disinfects to kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria. Explore the alternative uses for bleach below:
1. Sterilize pre-loved items
Before using this smart hack, make sure you're cleaning waterproof items just as toys and home decor. Start by taking your used items and soaking them for five to 10 minutes in a solution containing 3/4 cup bleach cleaner, a few drops of antibacterial dishwashing liquid, and one gallon of warm water. Rinse well and airy dry in sunlight.
2. Shine glass dishware
Bring back the sparkle of your glassware by adding a teaspoon of bleach cleaner to your soapy dishwater while cleaning them. Remember to rinse well to avoid chemical residue, and buff with a soft towel.
3. Disinfect trash cans
You read it right— trash cans need disinfecting, too! Rinse out your bins to take out any loose debris, then add 1/2 to 1 cup bleach cleaner and several drops of dishwashing liquid to 1 gallon (3.7 liters) warm water. Use a brush to scour the solution on the bottom and sides of the container. Empty, rinse, empty it again, and let air-dry.
4. Increase the longevity of cut flowers
Believe it or not, freshly cut flowers will stay fresh longer if you add 1/4 teaspoon bleach per quart (1 liter) of vase water. This trick also keeps the water from getting cloudy and inhibits the growth of bacteria. Who doesn't want to stretch the life of fresh blooms, right?
5. Sanitize garden tools
Unless you want to spread diseases the next time you use your garden tools, sterilize them by washing it with 1/2 cup bleach in 1 quart (1 liter) water. To make sure you don't have to deal with rusting since bleach can be a little harsh, try rubbing your tools with a few drops of mineral oil until it's fully absorbed.
SOURCE: Reader's Digest
