Household Cleaning: Rubbing Alcohol vs Bleach

Disinfecting the household should be part of your routine, especially with the recent coronavirus outbreak. Remember to disinfect germ-laden areas such as the doorknob and your mobile phones since the coronavirus can stay on the surface for up to nine days.

One of the best tips on how to get rid of germs in the house involves using the humble rubbing alcohol and the bleach.

Extended Reading: Household Hygiene Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

Does alcohol kill bacteria?

75% isopropyl alcohol is effective against microbial bacteria, fungi and viruses, and it is commonly used in healthcare facilities to disinfect the medical equipment.

However, you should practise caution when using alcohol for disinfection as it is highly flammable. Alcohol is best used to disinfect small surface areas and only use it in well-ventilated spaces.

Bleach as an alternative for sanitizing

When looking for ways to infect the room after a flu episode, the bleach is recommended as a low-cost disinfectant agent used to mop the floor and clean large surface areas. The sodium hypochlorite active component in the bleach is highly effective against bacteria, fungi and viruses, including the influenza virus.

How to clean with bleach

1. Dilute and clean with bleach in a well-ventilated area.
2. Dilute the bleach with cold water as hot water decomposes its active ingredient.
3. The 1:99 dilution ratio is used for household cleaning. Mix one part of bleach with 99 parts of water.
4. The 1:49 dilution is used for surfaces contaminated with vomit, excreta and secretion.

Use with caution

While the relative effectiveness of alcohol and bleach on bacteria and viruses does not vary greatly, it is important not to mix the two agents during cleaning. The combination of ethanol and isopropyl in rubbing alcohol together with bleach creates toxic chloroform fumes.

Most cleaning products are quite effective on their own. Avoid mixing any of them as it would create harmful chemical reactions.

Rinse with water for 15 minutes and consult a doctor if you have accidentally ingested bleach.

Sources:

1. Ashley Abramson- Rubbing Alcohol Is Great for Cleaning, But Here Are 6 Things You Should Never Do
2. Centre for Health Protection - The use of bleach