What is an alternative to using chlorine bleach as a cleaning agent that disinfects hard surfaces?

Question

I had heard that chlorine bleech is hazardous to the enviornment. I use it to clean the bathroom (tiles, floors what not). What would be a good alternative that is a disinfectant?

Answer 1

Chlorine bleach is bad for the environment, it kills plants and animals. I use 1 part white vinegar to 20 parts water for tile floors and hard counter tops; 1 part to 10 parts for windows; 1 part to 40 parts for wood floors. You can use baking soda to clean sinks and bathroom tile and Borax to clean toilets. You can also use Borax on tile and sinks. This stuff was used by our grandparents and still works today without being harsh on the environment.

Answer 2

Chlorine is not a good cleaner. It only bleaches things, and disinfects. So don't use it to clean with, only to disinfect. You only need 1 part chlorine bleach to 11 parts water to make a good, very good, disinfectant. Don't think that other disinfectants are harmless to the environment, either. And chlorine can't be that much of an environmental hazard, as they use it in such things as tap water and pools. So don't worry about it.

Answer 3

Alchohol makes chrome shine and is a great disinfectant. However I agree that you should not be hesitant to use diluted chlorine bleach (say, 1 TBS to a quart) in a spray bottle. You are not really putting it down the drain for the most part anyway, but wiping it up with your cloth. Dilute bleach is better than the bacteria that lives in your bathroom. It is not a cleaner, only a disinfectant, but the one professionals use in kitchens and rest rooms.

Answer 4

Phenol is a good disinfectant. Phenol makes the water cloudy, so you will recognize its presence in any cleaner. I have noticed lately that it's hard to find Lysol brand cleaner, so phenol may be off the market by now.

I used to be on the infection control committee, and I can tell you, hospitals search for effective cleaners and disinfectants, but some bacteria are notorious for being able to live despite commercial disinfectants.

And bleach is recommended to disinfect where HIV / AIDS is a problem.

I use bleach in the kitchen on my countertops, sinks and cutting boards.

Answer 5

Either Vinegar & Water or Lemon Juice..You use 4c of water to 2Tbsps of Vinegar & the same with the lemon juice..Put it in a spray bottle & spray the area let it sit for about 30 mins try using a scrub brush then respray with the solution then wipe with your mop or just use your mop to do the area what ever suits you
Good Luck

Answer 6

Ammonia

Answer 7

Lysol

Answer 8

White Vinegar - it stinks, but it's a GREAT disinfectant.