Which bleaches are best?
Whether chlorine-based or peroxide-based, bleach is one of the most versatile household chemicals you can keep on hand for everything from stain removal to sanitation. Many other cleaning products include bleach in their formulas because manufacturers know how powerful it is.
As helpful as bleach can be, it must be handled with care to avoid any potential damage to dyed clothing or delicate materials. Undiluted bleach, especially chlorine-based brands, can be very caustic and should be treated like any other household chemical.
We’ve taken a fresh look at our shortlist of favorite bleaches, and our updated list contains a familiar alternative bleach in the top spot, as well as a new form of an old favorite. Rounding out our picks is a liquid alternative bleach favored by many professional cleaners.
What to know before you buy bleach
How bleach works
In chemistry terms, all bleaches are considered oxidizers, meaning they introduce oxygen to the cleaning process. This oxygenation is what causes stains to disappear and white clothing to appear whiter. Bleach is also alkaline, which means it does not have a corrosive effect on surfaces like an acid-based solvent can.
Types of household bleach
There are essentially two forms of household bleach: those with chlorine and those without.
Chlorine bleach contains sodium hypochlorite, a powerful base. When many people think of laundry bleach, they envision a strong-smelling liquid poured over white clothing or added to a bucket of mop water before mopping. Chlorine bleach has become a familiar chemical in most households, but it isn’t always the safest choice for every cleaning chore.
Nonchlorinated bleaches use hydrogen peroxide for oxygenation, and the result is often promoted as a bleach alternative. Hydrogen peroxide is not as caustic as sodium hypochlorite and generally does not contain a strong chemical odor. It’s effective as a stain remover, and the hydrogen peroxide doesn’t affect the dyes used in colored clothing. However, bleach alternatives are often criticized for not being as effective as traditional chlorine-based bleaches.
Forms of bleach
The form of bleach product can also vary widely from brand to brand. In general, bleach can be purchased in the same forms as laundry detergent.
Liquid bleach is often diluted and packaged in gallon-sized plastic containers. Powdered bleach may be in a box or packaged in single-use pouches. There are also bleach pods for use in washing machines and crystals designed to dissolve in water to reduce splashing.
How much does household bleach cost?
The price of household bleach depends largely on the formulation and the packaging. Standard liquid chlorine bleach can cost as little as $4 a bottle, while bleach alternatives are often a little more expensive. Liquids are usually less expensive than powders or gels, while pods are the most expensive form per ounce.
Bleach FAQ
Do all bleach products kill germs?
A. Disinfection is certainly one reason why people choose to add bleach to their laundry or housecleaning arsenal, but not all bleach products are promoted as disinfectants. Read the product label carefully to determine if a particular product is formulated to kill germs or disinfect surfaces.
Can I use diluted bleach to sanitize my stainless-steel countertops and metal cookware?
A. Chlorine bleach is corrosive by nature, and it will cause almost all metals to oxidize (form rust). It reacts with the chromium and steel in a stainless-steel countertop, refrigerator door, or stainless-steel cookware. Only use cleaning products specifically approved for use on metal surfaces.
What is the best bleach to buy?
Top bleach
OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder
What you need to know: This versatile bleach can be used for a lot more than just laundry.
What you’ll love: It works on multiple household surfaces, and the powder mixes easily with water for general stain removal. It’s also very effective as a pre-laundry stain lifter.
What you should consider: It’s not entirely color-safe and can fade fabrics. It also has a very strong fragrance.
Top bleach for the money
Clorox Zero Splash Bleach Crystals
What you need to know: These bleach crystal packs are premeasured, so you can make sure you get the right amount of bleach every time.
What you’ll love: The crystal formula doesn’t splash until mixed with liquid. It works well as a water treatment. It kills bacteria, mold and viruses on contact. It’s also lighter than liquid bleach.
What you should consider: The crystals may not dissolve completely; some people reported lingering residue.
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This classic bleach is designed especially for high-efficiency washing machines but also works well as a household cleaner.
What you’ll love: It’s thick and concentrated, so it does a good job of getting stains out. It also has an easy-grip handle to minimize spills. It’s also unscented.
What you should consider: Some people had issues with the bottle leaking.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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