Latest news with #bleach
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
6 Things You Should Never Clean With Bleach, According To Cleaning Pros
Using bleach, a powerful disinfectant, may be part of your cleaning routine. But there are some surfaces and places in the home where using this strong chemical may cause more harm than good. Getting rid of grime and making sure everything is germ-free is important but you'll also want to make sure it's the appropriate cleaner for the job. 'People should be cautious about using bleach on some surfaces or areas of the home because it can be corrosive, cause discoloration, damage surfaces, release toxic fumes or harm materials,' says Armeka Townsend. According to Marla Mock,'Most times, there are alternatives to bleach that are more natural and gentler to use around the house."Meet the Expert Armeka Townsend is a cleaning expert and senior consumer relations representative at Zep Cleaning, a trusted brand of cleaning supplies sold at grocery stores and mass retailers. Marla Mock is the president of Molly Maid, a franchise of independent cleaners nationwide. Tonya Harris is an award-winning toxin expert and author of The Slightly Greener Method. Carol Mehas is the founder of arbOUR Products, a line of natural cleaning Countertops and Surfaces Thinking about using bleach on your beautiful stone countertops? Think again. Otherwise, you risk ruining them. Stone surfaces, including marble, granite, and quartz, are porous and bleach can wreak havoc of these beautiful materials. 'Bleach can damage the sealant of [stone] surfaces, as well as dulling the surface or even change the color of the stone,' says Tonya Harris. And not only can it cause harm to your stone countertops or surfaces, bleach usually soaks in and stays, Mock explains that with a protective sealant gone, it 'exposes your countertops to deterioration and stains.' How to Clean 'Use a couple of small squirts of mild liquid dish soap mixed into warm water and rub gently, then rinse,' recommends Harris. But don't use too much dish soap thinking it's better! 'Too much soap can dull the surface," she explains. Also, choose a dish soap without a fragrance to ensure unexpected staining doesn't occur. According to Carol Mehas, natural cleaning products, 'Scent free is preferred because most scents are made up of oils and that will create a ring around the area you are cleaning!' Stainless Steel and Metals Want to get your stainless steel pots and pans or even forks and spoons disinfected and cleaned? Don't reach for bleach. This strong chemical will leave you with ruined cooking vessels and an unexpected trip to the store to buy new ones. 'Bleach can oxidize and corrode metals, causing surfaces to rust,' explains Harris. The rust causes discoloration. 'Bleach can corrode and damage stainless steel, leaving it discolored and potentially impacting its structural integrity,' adds Townsend. How to Clean 'Never use steel wool or a scouring pad on stainless steel to avoid scratching the surface,' says Mock. She suggests using microfiber cloths and dish soap. 'Mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap or mild cleaner in a small spray bottle,' she says. 'Mist the stainless-steel surface with a light coating of the spray and using a soft microfiber cloth, wipe off the dish soap mixture in the direction of the grain.' The way you clean is important to avoid damaging stainless steel. 'To prevent scratching and improve shine, always clean in the direction of the grain, she says. 'Stainless steel has faint lines that are called the grain.' Wood Bleach and wood don't go together so make sure to avoid this harsh chemical on any wood surface, whether it's cutting boards or wood floors. Once you use bleach on any type of wood, it's near impossible to remove. 'The porous nature of wood will only absorb the bleach, and you can't safely remove it or rinse it," says Mehas. "Not only will it continue to erode over time, it's also dangerous for hands, feet, or the furry paws of your lovable pet!' 'Do not use bleach on wooden surfaces,' says Townsend. 'Bleach can cause discoloration, weaken the wood fibers, and damage the finish of the wood.' How to Clean 'Use a gentle cleaner specifically designed for wood,' says Townsend. 'Be sure to wring out the cleaning cloth well to avoid water damage.' And if you're cleaning a wooden floor, how you clean will depend on if the wood floor is sealed or unsealed. 'To clean sealed wood floors, mop with a mix of ¼ cup of mild or pH-neutral soap with water in a bucket,' says Mock. 'With unsealed wood floors, you should only sweep, dust mop or vacuum regularly, being careful not to use water.' Grout Noticing moldy grout lines lining the shower or bathtub? Sure, you think, I'll just pour some bleach on the grout lines and problem solved. Stop right there. Bleach may make the grout lines look better but it won't get to the bottom of the problem. 'While bleach can brighten the area and kill the mold at the surface, it doesn't get to the roots of the mold,' says Harris. Wondering what an alternative to bleach is? Reach for a bottle of white vinegar to remove the mold. 'White vinegar can kill about 82% of mold and can penetrate porous surfaces to kill the 'roots' of the mold,' says Harris. 'If you have some mold in tiles or on shower walls, this is an easy way to get rid of it.' How to Clean 'Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and thoroughly spray the surface and let it sit for an hour,' says Harris. 'Follow by rinsing the area with a damp cloth with warm water (do not soak the area with water).' Sometimes scrubbing may be necessary. She suggests combining baking soda and water in bowl to make a paste and then scrub the area with a sponge. However, if there is a lot of mold, contact a mold professional, she says. Colored Fabrics or Paint If you've ever accidentally used bleach on a printed tee or an entire load of colored clothing, you know that bleach permanently stains. Have a tough stain? Bleach is not the solution. 'Do not use bleach near or on colored fabrics, painted surfaces, or any surface susceptible to discoloration and damage,' says Townsend. Areas Where Children and Pets Play Bleach is a powerful chemical so it's important to use it in areas where kids and furry friends won't be exposed to it or touch it. Think about where your children or pets spend time or play and make sure not to use bleach in these areas of the home. 'Children and pets are more likely to accidentally ingest bleach from surfaces from touching toys or other areas where bleach has been used, or from pets licking paws on a bleached floor or area,' explains Harris. Having a clean home is important but it's equally important that it's healthy and safe. If you need another reason to think about how and where you use bleach in the home, Townsend explains, 'Bleach can release toxic fumes and cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, or even poisoning, if ingested.' Tips for Cleaning With Bleach When it's the right disinfectant for the job and it's safe to use bleach, it's important to dilute this strong chemical for everyone's safety. 'Bleach should only be used with caution and should always be watered down,' says Mehas. 'A safe ratio is 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water.' You don't ever want to handle bleach without protection. 'Wear gloves and even a mask to avoid any interaction with your skin or risk inhaling the caustic gas in the nose or mouth, which may cause burning of the mucous membranes along your respiratory tracts,' says Mehas. And equally important is airflow. 'Ensure proper ventilation in the area being cleaned,' adds Townsend. Read the original article on Southern Living
The Sun
13-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I'm a traveller & my cleaning hacks are from 2 generations – people think it's dangerous but my grandmother did it
WE all have our go-to cleaning routines, often inherited from family or picked up along the way. But for TikTok user Angela, known as @ cleanwithangelaannd, her methods are deeply rooted in her Traveller heritage - and some of them have sparked quite a debate online. 2 Angela recently took to TikTok to share a cleaning hack that's been passed down through her family for generations. And it's one that might raise a few eyebrows for those not familiar with it. "Every single Traveller that I know washes up their kitchen with washing up liquid and bleach," Angela revealed in her video. She showed herself topping up her basin with the mix. It wasn't until she joined TikTok that Angela realised this wasn't a universal cleaning practice. "I knew that not everybody puts bleach into their washing up basin. Some people don't even own a washing up basin," she explained. Her video has gained 977.3k views and 1,962 comments after it was shared on 4 July. Naturally, the comments section lit up with questions and concerns about the safety of mixing bleach and washing-up liquid. But Angela was quick to reassure her followers. She revealed that one common question she gets asked daily is about using bleach in the washing up basin. I was gutted when scrubbing didn't get my 'stained' blender clean, then remembered a £3.25 spray I had in the cupboard Angela went on to clarify that there is a 'tiny bit of bleach' in the basin and 'a lot of water.' For Angela, this method isn't just a personal preference; it's a deeply ingrained tradition. "My mother did it. Her mother before her did it. And every single person that I actually know does it,' she says. Angela also noted a similar cleaning habit among another community. 2 Beyond the bleach, Angela highlighted another key aspect of Traveller cleaning that goes far beyond just doing the dishes. She explained that travellers are taught to also wipe down the walls, tables, outside the fridge, the washing machine, floor, oven and anything that needs to be done. And the meticulous routine doesn't stop there. Angela also explained that she'll always make sure a wash is on before leaving the room. Despite the effort, Angela wouldn't have it any other way. One person commented on her video writing: 'I actually love watching traveller cleaning videos, everyone is so stereotypical, you're probably the cleanest people on this earth!!' 5 cleaning hacks Say goodbye to ironing Don't have time to smooth out the wrinkles of a shirt with an iron? Lenor 's Crease Releaser makes wrinkles vanish - simply hang up creased items, give them a quick spritz and smooth against a hard surface. Teabags for trainers When trainers smell a little squiffy, pop a used (and still moist) tea bag inside and leave for about an hour. The tannins will seep into the sole of the shoe to fight nasty-smelling odours. Remove limescale without scrubbing When bathroom taps start looking a little grimy with limescale, slice a lemon in half and sprinkle on baking soda. Rub the fruit over the taps and with a gentle clean they will come up sparkling. Use a toothbrush to get in all the nooks and crannies. Streak-free mirrors and windows White vinegar is a handy secret weapon when it comes to keeping mirrors and windows streak-free. Mix one part white vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle. Squirt then wipe with a microfibre cloth and voilà, clean glass in an instant. Make your home smell amazing For dust-free skirting boards, pour some fabric softener onto a cloth and give them a quick wipe. It will stop dirt collecting so quickly and, as an added bonus, make your home smell amazing. A second added: 'I love bleach,I know that travellers love to wash up with bleach.' A third said: 'I'm not a traveller but Irish bred and always been taught a little bleach in the washing bowl. I can't wash up without it. 'And if I can't smell bleach after a house is clean then I don't feel clean.' While bleach can be used to sanitise dishes, experts urge those to not do it for regular washing due to potential health risks and damage to dishware. When using bleach, be sure to check the lapel for an EPA statement that confirms it sanitises. Bleach is a strong chemical and can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, according to Yaya Maria's. It can also be harmful if ingested, even in small amounts. Bleach can also discolour or damage certain materials and it can also corrode metal over time.
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
People are only just realising what the triangle symbols on laundry labels are for
People have been left shocked after finally learning the meaning of a symbol on laundry labels. Some are still struggling to decipher what all the shapes on care labels mean, despite doing their own laundry for years, as they've never taken the time to investigate them. And for those who thought they were in the know, they may be shocked to learn about the true meanings of the triangle symbols on the labels - which can literally make or break your favourite garment. The laundry care symbols - which typically include images of a tub filled with water, a circle inside a square, and an iron - provide instructions and guidelines on everything from washing temperature to ironing and drying. It also includes a triangle, though its meaning and correlating care instructions have left some people stumped. One person took to US forum Reddit to say they were equally baffled by the list of laundry care symbols, and asked fellow users for help. There, one person was astounded by the information, and admitted they thought the triangle 'had something to do with the clothes hanger'. Experts say understanding this sign is crucial for keeping your whites sparkling, as well as ensuring the longevity of your garments. This is because the triangle and its two variations are bleaching symbols, notifying the washer how and when to bleach the product. Bleach can help to whiten your clothes and its also known to be very tough on stains, helping to remove marks that standard detergent may not. You'll often find three isometric triangles on an item's care label: a plain, hollow one, one with two diagonal lines within its interior, and the last with a large X through it. The basic triangle denotes that bleaching of any kind (dependent on additional care instructions) is permitted for the garment as it can withstand the chemical during washes. The triangle with two lines instructs owners to launder the item using a non-chlorine type of bleach only. Meanwhile the triangle that contains an X means you should take care not use bleach when washing the cloth, and this refers to any washing detergents or additions that contain bleach. People are only just realising what all of this means, and have shared their disbelief on the net. 'I didn't know about the triangle!' wrote one person. 'I thought it had something to do with the clothes hanger'. One person was shocked to learn about the triangle's meaning, and admitted they thought it 'had something to do with the clothes hanger' Confused by the symbols, another asked: 'So it's okay to wash it in washing machine?' Meanwhile another person referred to the triangle as a 'food pyramid'. This is all well and good if you actually check the symbols, however a study conducted in 2018 found that a third of Brits admitted they never check instruction labels. Ignorance about how clothes should be cleaned can cost families thousands of pounds, according to a sample test of householders by school uniform supplier Trutex. Matthew Easter, managing director at Trutex said: 'The research shows a huge lack of knowledge when it comes to knowing what care labels mean and an ignorance of their importance. 'The labels are there so the best care can be taken of fabrics and show how they should be treated. 'This helpful information can save time and money and ensure clothes last longer'. According to The Cleaning Institute, bleach is used during wash cycles as it converts dirt into soluble particles, making them easier to remove by washing detergents. Various types of bleach do different things; sodium hypochlorite bleach (also known as chlorine bleach) is amongst the most powerful of laundry bleaches, as it disinfects, cleans and make your whites dazzling. Meanwhile oxygen bleach is gentler, and works more safely on washable fabrics. This bleach can maintain your cloth's whiteness, but unlike chlorine, it is unable to restore it.
WIRED
09-06-2025
- Health
- WIRED
The Bleach Community Is Ready for RFK Jr. To Make Their Dreams Come True
In the months since US health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. mentioned chlorine dioxide during his Senate confirmation hearing, the online community advocating for the use of the toxic bleach solution as a cure for everything from malaria to autism has become emboldened. Activity on bleach-supporting social media groups is exploding, and influencers are reemerging in an effort to push Donald Trump's administration to approve bleach as a mainstream treatment. 'We are thrilled that RFK Jr is in charge,' Michelle Herman, who sells a nasal spray containing chlorine dioxide and says she's discussed the topic with Kennedy, tells WIRED. She was pictured, along with other bleach enthusiasts and activists, at the recent Truth Seekers conference held at president Donald Trump's Doral resort in Florida. Chlorine dioxide is sold under a variety of names, including Miracle Mineral Solution, Chlorine Dioxide Solution, Water Purification Solution, and God's Detox. Whatever name it goes by, it has been promoted as a cure for a wide array of ailments since the mid-1990s, and despite prosecutions and warnings from authorities, it continues to be popular in many parts of the world. It has been peddled as a 'cure' for everything from malaria to cancer, from HIV to autism to COVID-19. (There is no credible evidence to back up any of the claims that chlorine dioxide can cure any of these ailments.) While Kennedy has a long history of promoting anti-vaccine conspiracy theories, he has not explicitly promoted chlorine dioxide as a treatment. However, in January, during his Senate confirmation hearing, he referenced chlorine dioxide while praising Trump for 'looking at all of the different remedies' for COVID, using it as an example of the open-mindedness that Kennedy characterized as a 'demonstration of leadership.' Since Kennedy mentioned chlorine dioxide, groups dedicated to chlorine dioxide use on platforms like Telegram and Facebook are filled with new members and increased activity. (Telegram did not respond to a request for comment; Meta said it was reviewing the groups WIRED flagged and would remove any it determines violate the company's policies.) Activists who have spent years fighting to highlight the dangers of chlorine dioxide are now deeply concerned that the Trump administration could seek to approve its use as a cure for a wide variety of ills. 'The bleachers are back, making connections with powerful people, reaching RFK and Trump,' says Fiona O'Leary, an Ireland-based activist who has autistic children and has spent years trying to highlight the dangers of toxic bleach solutions being sold as an autism cure. 'Bleachers want RFK to approve chlorine dioxide as a treatment for autism, cancer, and other conditions. It is like watching a horror show.'
The Independent
02-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Children left seriously ill after parents follow influencer's advice to ‘cure' autism with bleach
A social media influencer is promoting industrial bleach as a false ' autism cure', despite health warnings and reports from parents that their children have become seriously ill after following her advice. Kerri Rivera, who has more than 17,000 followers on Instagram, encourages parents to give their autistic children chlorine dioxide (CD) — a potentially lethal chemical used to bleach textiles and disinfect industrial surfaces. Experts have called her fake cures 'sickening', adding it is 'wrong, dangerous and harmful to autistic people and their families '. Messages seen by The Independent from Ms Rivera's private support group reveal parents reporting vomiting, rashes, seizures and chemical-smelling urine in their children after following her advice. One parent wrote: 'I have noticed a high ammonia-smelling urine in my daughter's pull ups... I imagine these are the parasites dying and leaving behind their toxins. Is this a good sign to be smelling this?' Ms Rivera, who falsely claims that autism is caused by 'parasites' and 'worms', routinely reassures parents that these are signs the treatment is working. She refers to symptoms like vomiting and hives as evidence the body is 'detoxifying'. Her Instagram account states 'autism is treatable' – a categorically false claim. Ms Rivera's Instagram account has more than 17,000 followers, while her TikTok has attracted over 3,000. Both profiles remain active and continue to promote her claims. Her Amazon storefront previously sold books and equipment promoting these false claims, but the page was removed following a petition led by campaigners. The Independent has approached Meta and TikTok for comment. Autism is a lifelong neurological condition. There is no evidence it can be acquired, and an autistic person cannot become non-autistic. It is not caused by viruses or parasites, and there is no cure. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns the ingestion of CD can cause immediate pain with burning in the mouth, throat, and stomach, as well as abdominal pain, vomiting blood and shortness of breath. In serious cases, it can cause hemorrhagic or hypovolemic shock which occurs when the body's blood volume is depleted and leads to insufficient blood flow and oxygen to the organs. In children, it can strip their bowel lining, cause pink urine and green stools, and some may experience seizures. Despite these dangers, Ms Rivera continues to promote the so-called CD 'protocol' online and gives guidance on how to respond when children fall ill. Tim Nicholls, Assistant Director of Policy, Research and Strategy at the National Autistic Society (NAS), said: 'It is sickening that this so-called 'protocol guide' for parents of autistic children claims to treat or cure autism. This information is wrong, dangerous and harmful to autistic people and their families, and to our charity. 'No autistic person, parent or carer should be told to 'cure' their child by administering a dangerous, potentially life-threatening chemical. Autism is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability, it is not a disease that can be 'treated' or 'cured'. Non-scientific and false claims that appear on social media platforms and across mainstream media need to be challenged and reported to enforcement agencies.' The NAS encourages people to report any products or procedures claiming to treat or cure autism to the Food Standards Agency. Jolanta Lasota, Chief Executive of Ambitious about Autism, reiterated the warnings on CD. 'Fake cures peddled online can be incredibly dangerous to the health of autistic children and young people,' she said. 'Anyone claiming they have the means to cure autism is spreading false and harmful misinformation.' Ms Lasota urged parents to get their information from trusted sources like the NHS and 'remain vigilant of these online scams'.
