Since its invention, bleach has been regarded as a miracle worker in household cleaning. From scrubbing toilets to removing sweat stains, bleach could do anything! But it’s not actually as miraculous as your mother might have you think it is.
It’s no secret that bleach is unsafe for many uses and is a frightening item to have in a house of curious children. But most moms think it’s a necessary evil to keep white clothes looking their best. There is another way. A natural and non-hazardous way.
So What’s So Bad About Bleach Anyway?
Some people swear by the cleaning powers of bleach. People have been using it as a household cleaner for years ‒ what could possibly be so bad about it? Well, a lot of things. There’s a reason why bleach is often stored in places where children can’t reach it. You might want to store it even where you can’t reach it!
Have you ever been pouring a cup of bleach into the washer and though, “Hmm, my eyes sure are burning”? Well that’s only one of the negative side effects of using bleach. Others include burning skin, intensifying asthma, nose bleeds and susceptibility to cancer. Is all of that a worthwhile exchange for white clothing?
What Can We Use Instead?
There are many alternatives to using bleach that still give you bright, white clothes. One solution is to make your own color safe bleach, and it’s a lot easier than you think.
Ingredients:
- 12 cups of water
- ¼ cup of lemon juice
- 1 cup of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
- 10 drops of lemon Essential Oils
Method:
- Mix lemon juice, Hydrogen Peroxide and essential oils in large container
- Add water
- Store in a dark container
It can’t be that simple, can it? It can because it is! The acidity of the lemon juice and the hydrogen peroxide help lift stains without the harmful effects of chlorine bleach.
How Does it Work?
Using homemade bleach is the same process as using normal bleach, only better. Simply add one cup to your washer after adding two capfuls of your favorite Roux Maison detergent. Just make sure you add the bleach before you put in your clothes!
Some Things to Remember
Even though this mixture is a much safer alternative to chlorine bleach, it’s still bleach. So you’ll need to be mindful of your fabrics. Never use bleach on silk, wool or other delicate fabrics. If you’re worried about how the bleach will affect your clothes, test it on an inside seam before washing. Bleach is best for use on cotton clothing and linens.
Although this homemade bleach does not contain the hazardous chemicals that chlorine bleach does, it does contain Hydrogen Peroxide, which can be harmful if ingested. So be sure to store it in a place where curious hands and mouths cannot grab onto it.
Other Bleaching Options
Another alternative method for whitening your clothing is simply to add ½ cup of distilled white vinegar to your laundry during the final rinse cycle in the washer. This is a great and simple method to whiten and brighten without any toxic chemicals. And don’t worry – your clothes won’t smell like vinegar! Paired with Roux Maison detergent, they’ll just smell fresh and clean!
If you’re not comfortable with these options, or you just want to experiment with a truly all-natural solution, try squeezing some lemon juice on your yellowed garments and letting them soak up some sun for a few hours! Catch some rays for yourself while you’re at it!
Your health doesn’t have to suffer just for the sake of whiter clothes. Use this recipe for homemade bleach to have the confidence that your family is safe from the harmful chemicals of chlorine bleach.
- Tags: Bleach, Stain Removal
← Older Post Newer Post →
0 comments