Bleach is a chemical familiar to those both working in and out of the hospitality industry. It serves many purposes, such as removing stains from linens and disinfecting surfaces. It is typically made with chlorine, one of the most common chemicals produced in the United States. While this product is common and readily accessible, properties should not use it regularly. Many better alternatives are available that are safer to use. Some negative qualities associated with bleach include health effects, environmental concerns, and damage to linens.
Health Concerns
Bleach can cause significant skin irritation and irritate the lungs and eyes. It can also burn internal and
external human tissue. Other side effects from being near it include migraines, muscle weakness, pain in the abdomen, vomiting, and nausea. People with respiratory problems, such as asthma and allergies, are also advised to avoid bleach because it can worsen these conditions and cause stinging in the eyes and nose and frequent coughing. The fumes and gas from bleach are also harmful for people to breathe in, and breathing in bleach fumes for extended periods of time has been linked to cancer.
Environmental Impacts
Bleach has been known to pollute the environment. When it mixes with water sources, it can combine with minerals and elements to form hazardous toxins that can take years to dissolve in the environment. Water contaminated with chlorine, which is often found in bleach, has been known to significantly increase the cancer risks for those who drink that contaminated water compared to those who don’t. Bleach can also cause air pollution. This is usually caused by toxins being emitted into the air from factories using chlorine bleach. These toxins can reach the ozone layer and deplete it, making this one of the causes of global warming.
Bleach and Linens
Bleach is hard on fabrics and can weaken linen fibers over time. It is even riskier for white linens because it can turn them a yellowish color. If the linen is ultra-thin, holes can also develop, which would completely ruin the fabric. It is simply not worth the risk of damaging linens with bleach. Many safer, more natural methods can replace harsh chemicals.
Alternative Methods
There are several good alternatives to bleach as a disinfectant that are much more natural. Some of them include hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, and vinegar.
Hydrogen Peroxide- This is a good substitute for those who have been using bleach to wash white linens. It can brighten and whiten the linens, but it won’t damage the fibers over time like bleach would. When washing white linens, add a cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide to the wash along with a non-toxic detergent.
Lemon Juice- Lemon juice contains enzymes and other acids that make it an effective option for
whitening linens and removing stains from surfaces. Lemon juice is most effective at removing stains when mixed with salt and applied directly to the stain for about thirty minutes. You can apply lemon juice alone to oil and grease stains. However, lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent, so try it on an inconspicuous area first so the main area doesn’t get ruined.
Vinegar- Like lemon juice, the acidic structure of vinegar gives it qualities that have a similar effect to
bleach. It can also brighten linens and remove stains without damaging the fabric. A half cup of vinegar is all you need for linens you want to brighten. Distilled white vinegar is also a good option for reducing the likelihood of dark clothing becoming faded. Also, when vinegar is combined with hydrogen peroxide, it becomes one of the best all-natural disinfectants.
InnStyle Offers Alternative Natural Products
Fresh WaveInnStyle offers natural alternatives to harsh chemicals, including Fresh Wave cleaning products. They come in continuous release crystals, spray bottles, and vacuum pearls. InnStyle also offers Natural Bed Bug Spray and Natural Extra Strength Bed Bug Spray to help protect against bed bugs and other pests. Along with these products, InnStyle also has a large selection of green bedding products. Please call InnStyle with any cleaning product or general hospitality questions you may have. They have also written blogs with other cleaning tips, including how to effectively remove stains from linens. InnStyle can be reached at 267-354-6020 or 800-877-4667. Their website is https://www.innstyle.com/.