Use bleach to clean flower pots and planters, which helps prevent the transfer of mold and disease from old plants to new ones. Rinse containers in a solution of half a cup of bleach to one gallon of water for at least five minutes before rinsing with plain water.
Four Household Uses for Bleach (and Three Bleach No-Nos)
In the absence of rubbing alcohol or a sanitizer (which probably just uses rubbing alcohol anyway), bleach makes a great cleaner and disinfectant for hard surfaces — a few ounces mixed with water in a spray bottle is cheap and effective. But beyond whitening whites and killing germs on the counter, bleach can come in handy in a lot of other ways around the house.
Keep Your Garden Healthy
Keep Fresh-Cut Flowers Alive
Keep store-bought (or Christmas tree) flowers fresher longer by keeping them in cold water with a quarter teaspoon of bleach per quart of water.
Clean Mold and Mildew
The damp environment of your shower and tub is a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and fungus. Remove it with a mixture of equal parts bleach and water in a spray bottle, instead of paying for a dedicated cleaner.
Freshen Up Your Garbage Cans
Hosing out a smelly trash can only goes so far. A cup of bleach per gallon of water, swished over the inside of the can and left to sit for two minutes before rinsing, kills the bacteria causing the smell in the first place.
Bleach No-Nos
Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or Pine-Sol — the combination produces chlorine gas, which can cause serious eye irritation and breathing problems. Don't over-bleach laundry, which weakens fiber strength and quality over time. And if your home has a septic system, never pour bleach down the toilet or drains — it kills the beneficial bacteria that helps break down septic waste.
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