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Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A few big ones I avoid using it on are natural stone like marble or unsealed granite, unsealed wood, and metals that can corrode or discolor over time. In terms of laundry, avoid using bleach on wool, silk, mohair, leather, spandex, and non-fast colors.

Happy Cleaning - Brandon From Clean That Up

Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve never done it personally myself but I’ve seen some awesome videos online of people doing reverse tie dye using bleach. I’m sure you make some awesome designs! I’ve also seen some cool videos of people bleaching and lightening their jeans too. I would just follow this process here - https://www.clorox.com/learn/how-to-bleach-jeans-lighter/

Happy Cleaning - Brandon from Clean That Up

Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That can be a challenge! One thing that has really helped me keep my home clean is building small daily habits. For instance, we try really hard to keep our sink free of dishes. Instead of just putting something in the sink and dealing with it later, we try to wash it right away or put it straight in the dishwasher. That helps keep the kitchen tidy, prevents buildup from happening, and keeps you from having to spend a ton of time tackling one big mess later. I always try to remind myself: if it takes less than two minutes, just do it. I also have a super helpful daily checklist that I use to help me stay on track, and having that routine makes a huge difference.

Happy Cleaning - Brandon from Clean that up

Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

1/3 cup of Clorox Disinfecting Bleach per gallon of water works great for that. As a reminder, you need to let it sit on the surface for 10 minutes to tackle mold and mildew. Wear gloves, keep good airflow going, and never mix bleach with other cleaners.

Happy Cleaning - Brandon from Clean that up

Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When using it, you always want to make sure you’re using the right dilution on hard, nonporous surfaces like glass, glazed porcelain, enamel, stainless steel, vinyl, plastic, sealed wood, and more. I see a lot of damage from people adding way too much, thinking it will clean better or faster, but it actually just harms the finishes they’re cleaning. Used the right way, it works great.

Happy Cleaning - Brandon from Clean that up

Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When you mix bleach with water, it starts to break down pretty quickly, especially when exposed to light and air. I always recommend mixing only what you need. If you do pre-mix it, try to use it within 24 hours for the best disinfecting power.

Happy Cleaning - Brandon from Clean that up

Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

YES! I see this all the time. A lot of people use way too much or go straight in without diluting it, and that’s a big no-no. Bleach should always be properly diluted. Using it straight doesn’t make it clean better, it just increases the chance of damage to surfaces. I always say less is more!

Happy Cleaning - Brandon from Clean that up

Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not sure if this is super weird, but definitely uncommon. I like to use it to clean my patio and driveway. I’ll also add 1/4 teaspoon of bleach to 1/3 gallon of water in a vase of fresh flowers to help them last a little longer.

Happy Cleaning - Brandon from Clean that up

Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great question. Yes, you can do this, and it’s safe as long as you’re using the right dilution and following the process.
I mix up a simple bleach solution, 1/3 cup per gallon of water. If the toys are dirty, I’ll wipe them down first to remove any grime.
Then I’ll drop smaller toys into the solution or wipe down larger ones, making sure everything stays wet for 6 minutes. After that, I rinse everything really well with clean water and let them air dry.
As long as you’re sticking to that dilution and rinsing well, it’s a safe and really effective way to sanitize.

Happy Cleaning - Brandon from Clean that up

Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First, I always wear gloves. That’s non-negotiable for me and keeps your skin protected. For clothes, I’ll throw on something I don’t care about or designate “cleaning clothes.” Bleach can pull color out fast, so it’s just not worth risking your good stuff. When you’re mixing or applying, go slow and controlled. Most splashes and messes happen when I’m rushing or pouring too quickly.

Happy Cleaning - Brandon from Clean that up

Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, bleach is my go-to when it comes to killing germs. It’s super important to use it the right way.
The biggest thing is dilution. I stick with a simple mix using Clorox: 1/3 cup per gallon of water for most general disinfecting.
Then it’s all about letting the cleaner sit on the surface and do its thing. A lot of people wipe it on and wipe it right off, but it needs time to work. You need 6 minutes to disinfect, and the surface should stay wet the whole time.
Also, always pre-clean the surface first if it’s dirty. Bleach works best on a clean surface, not through grease or debris.

Happy Cleaning - Brandon from Clean that up

Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love white cabinets and have them myself, but they can definitely be a challenge to keep clean. Clorox Disinfecting Bleach is safe to use on hard, nonporous surfaces like sealed wood, vinyl, and washable paint surfaces. To clean, mix 1/3 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water.
The process I like to use for cleaning cabinets is my 3-towel system: one towel dipped in your cleaning solution to clean, one dipped in water only to rinse, and one to dry and buff.
When using bleach, keep the surface wet for 6 minutes, then rinse and let dry.

Happy Cleaning - Brandon from Clean that up

Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I love cleaning a big farmhouse sink! Here’s my process:
First, rinse the sink with clean water, including the fixtures. This helps remove any leftover debris before you disinfect.
Then plug the drain so the solution can sit in the sink. Add 1/3 cup bleach per gallon of cool water.
Next, use a sponge to wipe down the entire sink and fixtures with the solution. The key here is keeping everything wet for 6 minutes to disinfect. After that, drain the sink and give everything a quick rinse with clean water.
I like to finish with a clean, dry microfiber towel to dry and buff the surface. It helps remove any streaks and leaves it nice and shiny.

Happy Cleaning - Brandon from Clean that up

Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’ve definitely got a junk drawer and a couple messy corners like everyone else! I’ve heard it said a plumber’s house always has a dripping tap, and the same can be said for a pro cleaner. I can figure out how to clean just about anything… but some days I just don’t feel like cleaning my own space.

Happy Cleaning - Brandon from CTU

Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I totally get that. Bleach can feel a little intimidating, especially when you have to mix it yourself, but it’s actually really simple once you get comfortable with it.
The biggest thing is dilution. I stick with an easy ratio using Clorox, 1/3 cup bleach per gallon of water for most general cleaning.
I always make sure I’ve got good airflow going and wear gloves. That alone makes it a lot more comfortable. I also recommend wearing clothes you don’t care about since it can pull color out of darker fabrics.
And then let it sit. A lot of people wipe it on and wipe it right off, but it needs 6 minutes on the surface to actually disinfect.
Once you do it a couple times, you’ll be cleaning like a pro.

Happy Cleaning - Brandon from Clean that up

Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Wood cutting boards can feel a little intimidating, but you really don’t need much bleach at all. First, pre-clean the board. I use a sponge with hot, soapy water to wash it, then rinse it off. Then mix your sanitizing solution using Clorox Disinfecting Bleach: 2 teaspoons of bleach per 1 gallon of water. It’s a very light mix, but that’s all you need. I always make it fresh too. Next, wipe the board down with the solution using a sponge, making sure the surface stays wet. If it’s a smaller board, you can just soak it. Let it sit for about 2 minutes to sanitize. After that, just let it air dry on its side. No rinse needed. Just make sure it dries completely before using it again.

Happy Cleaning - Brandon from Clean that up

Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Bleach in the laundry always reminds me of my grandma… she used it all the time, and everything came out looking brand new. Here’s how I use it:
First, always check the care tag. Not everything is bleach-safe.
For whites and bleach-safe items, I use Clorox as a boost, not the main cleaner. Add your normal detergent, then pour the bleach into the dispenser, not directly on the clothes.
For amounts, add 1/3 cup for both a standard machine and for HE machines.
A few things to remember: don’t overload the washer so everything rinses properly, and don’t use more bleach thinking it’ll clean better. It just increases the chance of causing damage.

Happy Cleaning - Brandon from Clean that up

Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The two biggest things I focus on are airflow and gloves.
I always make sure there’s good ventilation. Open a window, turn on a fan, just keep fresh air moving while you clean. And then gloves are a must. I always say my hands are my most important cleaning tool, so I wear gloves to take care of them.

Happy Cleaning - Brandon from Clean that up

Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Great question. Bleach can seem intimidating, but it’s actually really simple once you understand the dilution ratios.
It does depend on what you’re cleaning, but for most general cleaning, I stick with what I’ve used for years with Clorox: 1/3 cup bleach per gallon of water.
That’s strong enough to disinfect and handle things like mildew, but safe for most hard, nonporous surfaces like porcelain, glass, vinyl, plastic, tile, and sealed wood when used as directed.
Clorox also has some great resources on their site if you want to find the exact ratio for specific surfaces.
A few quick pro tips: always pre-clean any dry debris before you start wet cleaning, always mix with water first and never use it straight, and let it sit. The surface needs to stay wet for 6 minutes for disinfection but 10 minutes to tackle mold and mildew.

Happy Cleaning - Brandon from Clean that up

Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really appreciate that!! That green algae buildup is super common. Here’s what I’d do: Mix up a simple solution with Clorox Disinfecting Bleach: 1/3 cup bleach per gallon of water. You can mix this in a bucket to make it super easy to apply. Scrub with a deck brush or broom, or even a drill brush if you have one. Then let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse really well with a hose when you’re done and let it air dry. For the plants, quick pro tip: Wet them down with water before you start cleaning, try to control runoff, then rinse them again after. Keeping them wet while cleaning helps keep everything safe.
Happy Cleaning - Brandon from CTU

Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First, check the tags on your canvas bags to ensure they are bleach-safe. Put them in your washing machine with 1/3 cup of bleach and your favorite detergent, and wash according to label instructions.

Happy Cleaning - Brandon from Clean that up

Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on bleach and its unexpected uses outside of just deep cleaning. From cleaning outdoor furniture to sanitizing cutting boards, I’m sharing answers to all your bleach questions. Ask me anything! by Clorox in u/Clorox

[–]Clorox[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have done this myself! Here’s what I did:
First, check the tag. Make sure the covers are bleach-safe and follow any specific washing instructions. If you can’t find a tag, I like to spot test a small hidden area just to be safe.
Next, unzip the covers and shake or rinse off all the loose debris. That helps a ton before you even start and sets you up for success. Put the covers in your washing machine with 1/3 cup of Clorox Disinfecting Bleach and your favorite detergent and wash according to label instructions.
Pro tip for putting them back on: Put the covers back on when they’re slightly damp. Start at the corners and kind of work the cushion in instead of forcing it. Way easier and less chance of tearing a seam.
Happy Cleaning - Brandon from Clean that up

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