Buzz
If you’ve ventured to your local store and found the disinfectant aisle empty, you’re likely feeling a wave of panic. But don’t despair: While the rush for hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes has left shelves bare, bleach is likely still available and just as effective.
Amid the frenzy for alcohol-based cleaners, bleach has been overlooked, despite being equally effective and far more affordable. As someone with a background in foodservice, I’ve always relied on bleach for surface disinfection. Even in low concentrations, it’s highly effective. Its potency means you won’t need large quantities to last through a quarantine—the half-used bottle in your laundry room will suffice.
Before using bleach throughout your home, it’s crucial to understand one key point: organic materials like food residue or hair can deactivate it. This isn’t a major issue—it simply means surfaces must be clean for bleach to work effectively. Wipe down counters with your usual cleaner to remove crumbs or coffee grounds, and a bleach solution will perform perfectly.
For general household surface disinfection, the CDC suggests a solution of 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) of plain, unscented bleach per gallon of water. (For smaller amounts, use 4 teaspoons per quart.) Wear gloves, apply the solution to non-porous surfaces, and let it air dry. Be cautious with porous materials like marble, porcelain, or unfinished wood, as prolonged bleach exposure can damage them. Use sparingly or opt for soap and hot water in such cases.
Germs aren’t limited to household surfaces—they’re everywhere we go. You can disinfect your kids’ plastic, non-electronic toys by soaking them in a bleach solution for 30 minutes, which is especially useful for items they carry everywhere or put in their mouths. While bleach is too harsh for phone screens, a quick wipe on the sides and back is safe. For hands, rely on soap and water—and maybe hum the Bagel Bites jingle while washing.
