Bleach is a powerful cleaner that effectively kills almost all germs and viruses. However, it’s also extremely toxic. The fumes from bleach can cause respiratory issues, burn the skin, and even damage the nervous system. When mixed with other harsh chemical cleaners, the resulting fumes can be even more hazardous to both your health and the environment. Bleach poses risks to humans and pets alike.

Despite these dangers, many people still want bright, white linens and sparkling clean homes. So, how can you achieve this without using bleach? There’s a safe and effective alternative that will leave your clothes smelling fresh and your home shining.

Ingredients:
– 3/4 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons citric acid
– Filtered water
– 20 drops lemon essential oil
– Amber 1/2 gallon glass jug
– Funnel

Why We Use These Ingredients:
Each ingredient in this recipe helps gently brighten clothes. Citric acid, while not essential, enhances the solution’s effectiveness, especially in areas with hard water. Hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice are excellent stain removers and brighteners. It’s best to store your homemade bleach alternative in an amber glass jar or a cool, dark place to maintain the effectiveness of the essential oils and peroxide.

How To Make A Natural Bleach Alternative:
1. Measure out 3/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide and pour it into the amber glass jar.
2. Measure out 1/4 cup of bottled or fresh lemon juice and add it to the jar.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of citric acid to the jar.
4. Gently swirl the jar to dissolve the citric acid and mix the ingredients.
5. Fill the rest of the jar with filtered water.
6. Add about 20 drops of lemon essential oil and gently swirl to mix.

How To Use:
This bleach alternative can be used in various ways for both laundry and home cleaning:

– For whiter whites and softer clothes, add 1 cup of the mixture per small laundry load on the hottest water setting.
– For stained clothes, soak the entire garment in the bleach mixture overnight, then wash as usual.
– For general cleaning, pour the mixture into a glass spray bottle and spritz on kitchen counters and surfaces to kill germs. It also works well as a window or mirror cleaner.
– For scrubbing tiles and grout, mix some of the bleach solution with a small amount of baking soda.
– To clean the toilet, add a cup of the mixture to the bowl, let it sit for an hour, and then scrub away any stains.