Bleach is often the first choice to disinfect surfaces and remove tough stains. It is very effective but the absolute wrong choice for some cleaning jobs. Do not use bleach to clean any of these items.
Children’s Furniture and Toys
Bleach is a great disinfectant but toxic if ingested. It is also linked to skin rashes, eye irritation, and breathing problems. Children spill food on high chairs and car seats. They chew on toys. Rub their eyes after touching things. Bleach can be diluted down to safe levels but why take the chance? Just don’t use it on children’s furniture and toys.
Pets chew on their toys more than kids do. Keep pet toys bleach-free.
Wood
Don’t bleach any wood–floors, decks, furniture, cutting boards, tables, etc. Wood is a porous material that absorbs bleach and can’t all be soaked up or wiped off. Bleach damage includes:
- Discoloration.
- Stripping finishes like oil, paint, and wax.
- Dries out wood making it brittle.
- Can cause warping and cracking.
Upholstery
Trying to remove stains on upholstery with bleach usually causes more harm than good. It weakens the fabric leading to fading, tearing, and holes in the material. Bleach can remove the color from the upholstery and cause bleach spots.
Metals
Bleaching metal results in oxidation and rust. The list includes stainless steel, copper, aluminum, cast iron, silver, and more. Bleach breaks down the chrome on faucets and drains causing corrosion and eventually rusted fixtures. Stainless steel becomes streaky with repeated bleaching and can become rusty over time.
Glass and Mirrors
Bleach is difficult to rinse off of glass and mirrors–leaving a streaky cloudy-looking finish. Bleach can damage the backing on mirrors–reducing the reflective properties. It can cause caulking and weatherstrip to disintegrate or peel off window frames.
Porous Countertops, Tiles, and Grout
High-end countertops like marble, granite, quartz, and concrete are actually porous and absorb bleach. The result is often disastrous. Color changes, etching, pitting, and it will strip the finish off.
Grout and some tiles are porous and grow mold. Bleach kills mold–but only surface mold. Mold spores beneath the surface continue to grow where bleach can’t reach it. Below surface mold eventually starts growing on the substrate and can lead to rot.
