Welcome to your one-stop-shop for all things dish-washing and bleach related! Have you ever peered at a mountain of dirty dishes and wondered if bleach could be your new secret weapon? You’re not alone!
Today, we’re diving deep into this topic, because, hey, we’ve all got dirty dishes and we all want to ensure they’re squeaky clean and germ-free.
Now, roll up your sleeves, folks, let’s get to it!
So, Can I Really Wash Dishes with Bleach?
The answer is a resounding yes! Bleach can be a powerful ally in your battle against bacteria and grime, but it’s essential to use it properly. Improper use can lead to damaged dishes or, worse, health risks. So, let’s get started on our list of dos and don’ts of washing dishes with bleach!
DO Know Your Bleach
Bleach comes in a variety of forms, and not all are equal in their cleaning power or safety levels. The most common is Chlorine bleach (also used in Clorox Wipes for cleaning shoes), but there’s also Oxygen bleach and ‘color-safe’ bleach. Always choose an unscented, chlorine bleach for dishwashing.
DO Dilute Your Bleach
One golden rule when washing dishes with bleach is to always dilute it. A good ratio is one tablespoon of bleach to one gallon of water. Too much bleach can degrade your dishes and can be harmful if it comes into contact with your skin. Not only that, but it’s a waste of bleach, too. So remember, less is more!
DON’T Use Bleach on Every Dish
Certain dishes and utensils are no-go zones for bleach. For example, you should steer clear of using bleach on metals like stainless steel, as it can cause them to rust. On the flip side, glass, ceramic, and most plastic dishes are all fair game. If you’re unsure, do a small patch test on an inconspicuous area of the dish.
How Much Bleach is Too Much?
Once you’ve chosen the right bleach and dishes, it’s time to figure out quantities.
DO Use The Right Quantity
According to the CDC, a safe bleach solution for sanitizing dishes is one tablespoon of unscented, chlorine bleach per gallon of water. That’s roughly equivalent to a few drops in your typical dishwashing sink.
DON’T Overuse Bleach
Remember, bleach is potent, and more is not always better. Using too much can damage your dishes and, worse, pose health risks. Keep it to the recommended ratio to avoid any harm.
DO Rinse Thoroughly
Bleach can kill bacteria and germs effectively, but it needs to be thoroughly rinsed off. After soaking your dishes in your diluted bleach solution, make sure you give them a good rinse under running water. It’s not just about health and safety; it also helps to get rid of any potential bleachy aftertaste!
DON’T Forget to Wear Gloves
We’re all for being hands-on, but bleach can be harsh on the skin. So remember to protect your hands by wearing a pair of gloves. This isn’t exclusive to dish washing. Whether you’re washing your Melin hat or cleaning your toilet brush, glove up!
DO Air Dry
Here’s a bonus pro-tip for you: allow your dishes to air dry after washing with bleach. This lets any residual bleach to evaporate, further minimizing any risk. And hey, who doesn’t love saving on dish towel laundry?
DON’T Use Bleach Alone for Greasy Dishes
Bleach is great for sanitizing, but it isn’t built for tackling grease. So, if you’ve got a mountain of dishes from your famous homemade lasagna night, you might want to reach for your trusty dish soap. Use it in conjunction with bleach for a one-two punch against grime and bacteria!
Can I Use Bleach to Clean Other Things, Too?
Absolutely! Bleach is a versatile cleaner that can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks. You can use it to brighten your white shoes, as we’ve covered in our post on how to use Clorox wipes to clean white shoes. It can also sanitize items like backpacks, as demonstrated in our guide on how to wash and clean a Jansport backpack.
DON’T Mix Bleach with Other Cleaning Agents
This is a big no-no. Mixing bleach with dish soap, or other cleaners, can create harmful fumes. So keep it simple, and stick to bleach and water.
DO Consider Alternatives
There are many ways to get dishes clean and sanitized, without bleach. For instance, you can wash some clothes in a dishwasher to save time and energy. And if you’re curious about non-bleach cleaning tools, check out this guide on how to clean a toilet brush without bleach.
Just remember the golden rule: Always dilute your bleach and avoid using it on materials that may be damaged by it!
And That’s a Wrap!
Now that you’ve been equipped with our dos and don’ts, you’re all set to incorporate bleach into your dishwashing routine safely and effectively.
Remember, bleach can be your best friend in the cleaning world, but it needs to be treated with respect. Use it wisely, and it will reward you with a clean, sparkling kitchen.