Bleach is a harsh cleaning product that releases toxic fumes and can burn your skin, but there is a more eco-friendly alternative that works just as well to disinfect your toilet.
Scrubbing the loo ranks among the most dreaded household chores, and nobody relishes wrestling with aggressive chemical cleaners like bleach – but there are gentler alternatives for banishing germs. Bleach remains the go-to disinfectant for toilets because it’s an incredibly powerful cleaner that obliterates bacteria and viruses clinging to porcelain surfaces.
While it’ll leave your toilet spotless, bleach can scorch skin and emit chlorine vapours that pose risks to respiratory health, meaning it requires extremely cautious handling every single time. Numerous natural substitutes are recommended online for toilet cleaning, such as vinegar or citric acid, but these products are only effective at shifting stains like limescale, rather than thoroughly eliminating germs.
Instead, Ahmed Mezil, a specialist from Hella Maid, has put forward a straightforward answer, as hydrogen peroxide offers a safer method for breaking down germs and bacteria.
He explained: “Maintaining a sparkling clean toilet is essential for a hygienic and pleasant bathroom environment.
“Hydrogen peroxide, a versatile and eco-friendly cleaning product, offers effective solutions for tackling tough stains and germs.”
Hydrogen peroxide has antiseptic properties and is among the most environmentally friendly approaches for disinfecting a toilet without bleach, according to the Express.
It’s a transparent liquid that decomposes harmlessly into water and oxygen, and will eliminate any bacteria it encounters.
Unlike bleach, it’s non-toxic, meaning it won’t leave behind any dangerous residue or unpleasant fumes after application.
Whilst bleach is notorious for simply covering up nasty odours rather than eliminating them, hydrogen peroxide actually works as a deodoriser that leaves your bathroom smelling considerably fresher.
How to remove germs from a toilet without using bleach.
First off, you’ll want to pick up 3% hydrogen peroxide, which you’ll typically find in the cleaning section of most supermarkets.
Stronger hydrogen peroxide solutions do exist, but they’re extremely concentrated and should only be handled by professionals. 3% is ideal for regular household cleaning.
Simply pour it directly into your toilet bowl and leave it to work for 20 minutes. Once the time’s elapsed, give the toilet a flush, scrub it with a toilet brush and any stubborn stains should have vanished completely.
You can also decant hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and apply it to toilet surfaces such as handles, seats and the rim.
Clean your toilet with it weekly and you’ll find the task becomes far easier whilst stopping germs from accumulating in your bathroom.
