Cheap + Nontoxic Alternatives to Bleach 🌱

Bleach has long been a go-to for disinfecting surfaces and whitening clothes, but it comes with strong fumes, harsh chemicals, and potential health concerns — feeling like we could break up with bleach, no? — fortunately, there are plenty of natural and effective alternatives to bleach that can keep your home and laundry fresh, clean, and germ-free.

Distilled White Vinegar

White vinegar is a powerhouse when it comes to cleaning and deodorizing. It helps break down stains, softens fabrics, and eliminates bacteria. Add a cup of white vinegar to your laundry rinse cycle to brighten whites and remove odors. For household cleaning, use the below recipe to disinfect and deodorize surfaces.

Recipe:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 10 drops essential oil (optional for scent)
• Mix in a spray bottle and use as an all-purpose cleaner.

Baking Soda

Baking soda wonders in laundry and around the house. It helps remove stains, neutralize odors, and soften clothes. Add half a cup of baking soda to your laundry detergent for brighter, fresher clothes. For cleaning, sprinkle it on surfaces like sinks and countertops, then scrub with a damp sponge.

Recipe:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap
• Mix into a paste for scrubbing sinks, tubs, and countertops.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide (3%) is a great bleach alternative that disinfects, whitens, and removes stains. It’s safe for most fabrics and surfaces. Add a cup to your laundry to brighten whites and kill bacteria. For cleaning, mix it with water and use it as a non-toxic disinfectant for kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

Recipe:

• 1 cup hydrogen peroxide
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Combine in a spray bottle and use as a disinfectant.

Castile Soap

Castile soap is a plant-based, non-toxic cleaner that works well as a bleach alternative. Use it for general household cleaning or add a few tablespoons to your laundry detergent for extra cleaning power.

Recipe:

• 2 tablespoons Castile soap
• 2 cups warm water
• 5 drops tea tree oil (optional for antibacterial properties)
• Mix and use as an all-purpose cleaner.

Sunlight

We love this one. So nostalgic. The sun is a natural and free disinfectant and whitener. Hang your white clothes and linens outside to naturally bleach stains and kill bacteria with UV rays.

Essential Oils

Essential oils like tea tree, lavender, and lemon have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Add a few drops to your laundry or cleaning solution for a fresh scent and natural disinfecting power. We like to put a few drops onto our wool dryer balls to give our laundry a fresh scent without the use of dryer sheets.

*Bonus* DIY Natural Laundry Whitening Recipe

For an effective, natural way to keep your white laundry bright without bleach, try this simple recipe:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup warm water
• Mix all ingredients together and add to your washing machine along with your regular detergent. Wash as usual for whiter, fresher laundry.