Bleach is a chemical widely used for ning clothes, removing stains, and even for disinfecting certain items. It is very effective in getting the job done, and many households use bleach for its efficacy. However, most are not aware of the hidden health dangers this common cleaning item poses, much like any other seemingly harmless cleaning tool that is packed with chemicals. From minor burns on the skin, to more serious health complications like respiratory irritation, bleach can also contaminate water upon reaction with certain elements and minerals.
One of the controversial by-products found in bleach is dioxin, a chemical that takes an incredible amount of time to dissipate, not to mention the risk of developing cancers as it lingers in the air. Many schools and institutions have opted to completely ban the use of bleach to avoid these frightening health risks. Another danger is that bleach can never be mixed with products that have ammonia or acid, as this may lead to a rather dangerous outcome, fatal in extreme cases.
For your household, instead of using bleach, there are a couple of alternatives that do not have any dangers associated with their use. These are organic, are not concocted by a mix of chemicals, and are very easy to acquire as these are readily available in grocery stores. Follow these natural alternatives and enjoy a fresher batch of clothes without harming your family.
Lemon
Not only is this citrus fruit used for culinary purposes, its juice is also used as a medicine and a natural alternative to bleach. It contains citric acid that helps whiten clothes and remove stains. There are two ways in using the lemon juice to whiten clothes which can be also be done repeatedly depending on the stain that needs to be removed. Here are the ways on how to use lemon juice on fabrics:
Soaking method:
1. Put the clothes in a large washbasin (make sure the white and colored shirt at not in the same basin)
2. Pour in hot water then add lemon juice lavishly and let it sit overnight.
3. The following day, take out the clothes from the basin, put them in the washing machine and wash as usual.
4. Hang the clothes to dry under the sun.
Pre-Soak method:
1. Cut lemon in half and put in a large pot.
2. Bring in to boil. Once done, pour it on a large washbasin.
3. Put in the fabrics and let it sit for an hour.
4. Wash and dry as usual.
Rinse method:
1. Wash clothes in the washing machine as usual
2. When rinsing, pour in a cup of lemon juice.
3. Hang the clothes to dry under the sun.
Lemon juice can also be applied directly to the stain before washing.
Distilled White Vinegar
A vinegar or sour wine is made up of any produce containing sugar. Not only is this used for condiment or as preservative, certain types of vinegar are also used as a cleaning agent and whitening. One of which is the distilled white vinegar. Distilled white vinegar or spirit vinegar is made from acetic fermentation. This type of vinegar, when used in laundry, helps soften, freshen and whiten the clothes. To whiten or restore the whiteness of fabric, soak it individually in hot water with ½ cup of distilled white vinegar overnight then rinse as usual. Dark clothes can also benefit from this as it protects the color from fading. Distilled white vinegar can be used along with the regular detergent without the worry of getting the vinegar scent on fabrics as it disperses once dried.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This type of vinegar is made from apple musts or from the apple’s juice, stem, or skin. Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits when ingested or topically applied, and it also works wonders for your laundry. It helps in the prevention of mildew buildup, clean windows, show drains, toilet bowl and sanitizes fabrics. Brighten colors of clothes by pouring one cup of apple cider vinegar in washing machine. It does not leave a vinegar scent. In fact, once the scent dissipates, it leaves a sweet and a bit floral scent.
Baking Soda
Also known as sodium bicarbonate or nahcolite in its natural form, baking soda is widely used in cooking and cleaning. This versatile powder can also be used for your clothes. By adding one cup of baking soda in the laundry load, it can help brighten and whiten clothes. Other uses for baking soda are: teeth whitener by making a paste and leaving in on the teeth for a minute then rinse thoroughly, cleaning agent for baby toys by mixing four tablespoon in a quart full of water, clean carpets by sprinkling the powder on the carpet and vacuuming it after 15 minutes and remove grimes in shower by making baking soda paste.
