Bleach: Why It's Time to Break Up (and What to Use Instead)
Is sodium hypochlorite (a.k.a. bleach) toxic?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Very yes.
Bleach is highly toxic to humans, pets, wildlife, aquatic life, and the environment. You probably knew that on some level—after all, we’re warned as kids not to touch it, breathe it in, or heaven forbid, drink it. But here’s the wild part: despite all those warnings, bleach is still a household staple in most American homes.
In fact, according to Statista, Clorox (a major bleach manufacturer) reached over 360 million American consumers in 2020 alone.
So why do so many people rely on bleach like it’s the only kid on the block?
Our Bleach Obsession: What Gives?
There are three big reasons Americans cling to bleach:
It’s familiar – Grandma used it. Mom used it. We just... keep using it.
It works – Bleach does whiten, disinfect, and deodorize. No one’s arguing that.
Most people don’t realize just how dangerous it is – but that ends now.
Let’s take a closer look at bleach’s dark side—and then I’ll show you what to use instead (hint: it’s safe, powerful, and doesn’t gas out your lungs).
What Is Bleach, Really?
Bleach, or sodium hypochlorite, is made from sodium chloride (salt) and sodium hydroxide (lye). It’s found in everything from laundry products to tampons, toilet paper, drain cleaners, pool chemicals, and even water supplies.
It’s also classified as a pesticide under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Yikes.
Why Is Bleach So Dangerous?
Here’s a shortlist (yes, short) of what bleach can do:
Corrosive to skin and eyes – Can cause severe burns.
Linked to miscarriage and preterm birth – Especially among those exposed to high levels of disinfectants.
Produces chloramine gas – When mixed with common products like vinegar or ammonia.
Releases VOCs and chloroform gas – Especially in hot showers (a study linked this to cancer risk).
Can worsen respiratory issues – Asthma, COPD, allergies… all aggravated by bleach fumes.
Disrupts your microbiome – Killing the good bugs along with the bad ones.
Can worsen mold issues – Surface mold dies, but bleach adds moisture, feeding mold deeper down.
Lingers in the air – Bleach fumes sneak out even from sealed bottles (that “cleaning aisle” smell? That’s it).
And that’s just the human impact.
Bleach’s Impact on the Environment
Spoiler alert: if it’s bad for you, it’s bad for the planet.
Bleach is toxic to aquatic life, not safe for septic systems, and creates new toxins when it reacts with organic matter (like soil, urine, or leaves in water systems). So that “it breaks down in water” claim? Not the full story.
How Bleach Actually Works (and Why That’s a Problem)
Bleach works by oxidizing—it breaks down the chemical bonds in stains and grime through a reaction that changes their molecular structure. This not only whitens surfaces but also breaks apart organic material, like dirt or mold, making it appear cleaner. That’s why it’s so popular for whitening grout, removing laundry stains, and blasting bathroom grime.
Sounds effective, right?
It is... on the surface.
But bleach doesn’t remove grime—it chemically alters it. And while it may make mold and stains look like they're gone, the problem often lies just beneath.
The Mold Myth: Bleach Makes It Worse
Yes, bleach kills surface mold. But here’s what most people don’t know:
Bleach is mostly water (typically around 90%).
That water soaks into porous surfaces—like grout, wood, drywall, and caulk.
The mold you see may die, but the bleach doesn’t penetrate deeply enough to kill the roots.
Even worse, bleach agitates mold colonies, which can trigger them to release more spores as a self-defense mechanism.
That means you may think you’ve handled the problem… but you’ve just made it invisible—and airborne.
That’s why OSHA and the EPA no longer recommend bleach for mold remediation. It gives a false sense of “clean” while leaving the real problem lurking below the surface.
NEVER Mix Bleach With...
Ammonia
Vinegar or other acids
Alcohol
Other cleaners
Dirt, urine, or tap water with organic matter
If you're wondering what is safe to mix with bleach, the safest answer is... nothing.
What to Use Instead: Safe, Effective Alternatives
Okay, now that we’ve scared the bleach bottle out from under your sink, let’s talk alternatives.
1. Kangen 2.5 pH Electrolyzed Water
A superstar disinfectant that’s FDA-approved for wound care, food-safe, and effective against bacteria and viruses. Perfect for:
Cleaning showers, sinks, and countertops
Spraying on grout for whitening and mold control
Disinfecting toys, pet areas, and cutting boards
Bonus: It’s non-toxic, safe around kids and pets, and you can make it at home (if you have a Kangen machine).
2. Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
This is bleach’s clean cousin. It disinfects, removes stains, whitens whites, and is fragrance-free.
Add to laundry for whitening
Spray on grout and bathroom tile
Use with baking soda for a powerful scrub
3. Distilled White Vinegar
A powerhouse for deodorizing, brightening laundry, and breaking down soap scum.
Use with baking soda for tough stains and grime.
Alternate (never mix!) with hydrogen peroxide for a safe disinfecting combo.
Soak musty fabrics in vinegar and water, or add to the final rinse cycle for fresher laundry.
4. Baking Soda
Mild abrasive, deodorizer, and whitening agent.
Use for scrubbing grout and shower tiles
Add to laundry for extra freshness
Make a cleaning paste with castile soap for scrubbing sinks, tubs, or tile
5. Sunshine
Nature’s disinfectant and bleaching agent.
Lay white fabrics outside to whiten and deodorize
Let natural sunlight fade stains from cloth diapers, socks, etc.
Helps off-gas chemicals from new items too
6. Essentially Om + Oxygen Boost
A plant-based, human-safe cleaning system that tackles just about everything bleach does, minus the fumes.
Use Oxygen Boost for whitening and stubborn stains
Combine with Essentially Om’s Concentrate for a heavy-duty bathroom cleaner
How to Safely Whiten Grout Without Bleach
Try this effective recipe:
Sprinkle baking soda over damp grout
Spray with hydrogen peroxide
Let it bubble for 5–10 minutes
Scrub with a grout brush or old toothbrush
Rinse and wipe with a microfiber cloth
For stubborn moldy areas, follow up with a spray of Kangen 2.5 water and let it dry naturally.
A Final Word
If bleach were invented today, there’s no way it would be approved for home use. So why are we still using it?
The good news is, we don’t have to. With safe, effective, and affordable options like Kangen 2.5 water, hydrogen peroxide, sunshine, and natural products like Essentially Om, your home can stay sparkling clean and toxin-free.
It’s time to detox your cleaning cabinet—and breathe easier.
Have questions about switching from bleach or using Kangen 2.5 in your routine? Drop them in the comments or reach out—we love helping people find safer solutions.
Namaste
💧Om Sweet Om