What Are the Benefits of Bleach?

Most people associate bleach with its ability to make whiter clothes particularly clean and bright, but the substance can be used for a number of other purposes as well. The sterilizing property of bleach is beneficial for several household purposes, and can even pose some medical benefits for your family.

Bleach helps to make clothes whiter, and is also a household cleaner.

Mold and Mildew

Bleach has the ability to remove harmful mildew or mold from non-porous, hard surfaces like counter tops. According to the Clorox company, mixing 3/4 cup of bleach with a gallon of water makes an effective mold and mildew removal remedy. However, bleach is not the safest way to get rid of mold that has occurred on wood, as the substance is likely unable to completely rid the wood of toxins, according to the Spore Tech website. It is best to use the bleach and water mixture to rid surfaces like bathtubs, toilets and kitchen counters of mold, mildew and germs. You can also effectively remove mold or mildew from your shower curtain by soaking the curtain in a solution of bleach and water for three to four hours.

Eczema Treatment

According to a study documented by BBC News that involved 31 children with eczema, the children who took baths in water that contained a small amount of bleach benefited from less skin irritation. One of the reasons the bleach was helpful in eczema treatment is the substance's ability to kill germs and infection. Some eczema sufferers experience Staphylococcus aureus, a skin infection that makes eczema even more challenging to treat, and bleach can to alleviate symptoms that appear because of the toxins, like redness, irritation and the spread of the rash to other parts of the body. The site asserts that this treatment should only be conducted under the care of a specialist, as too much bleach can be hazardous to human health.

Increasing Flower Life

Adding 1/4 tsp. of bleach to a liter of vase water will help fresh-cut flowers to keep their color and perky appearance longer. According to the Reader's Digest website, adding 3 drops of bleach to a teaspoon of sugar before placing the mixture in a liter of water will maintain the life of the flowers as well, and keep the water from hosting bacteria growth or developing a cloudy appearance.

Disinfectant

Bleach is an effective way to disinfect your household, when mixed with water in the proper amounts. For instance, you can soak your baby or toddler's waterproof toys in a bleach and water mixture of three-fourths cup of bleach and a gallon of warm water. Rinse the toys thoroughly and allow them to air dry in direct sunlight to maintain cleanliness. Or, create a disinfectant spray for your home by mixing a tablespoon of bleach with a gallon of water. You can add a touch of lavender oil for a pleasant scent, and use the solution for kitchen and bathroom cleaning or to sterilize trash cans.

The Drip Cap

Most people associate bleach with its ability to make whiter clothes particularly clean and bright, but the substance can be used for a number of other purposes as well.
Some eczema sufferers experience Staphylococcus aureus, a skin infection that makes eczema even more challenging to treat, and bleach can to alleviate symptoms that appear because of the toxins, like redness, irritation and the spread of the rash to other parts of the body.
According to the Reader's Digest website, adding 3 drops of bleach to a teaspoon of sugar before placing the mixture in a liter of water will maintain the life of the flowers as well, and keep the water from hosting bacteria growth or developing a cloudy appearance.
You can add a touch of lavender oil for a pleasant scent, and use the solution for kitchen and bathroom cleaning or to sterilize trash cans.