Can You Use Bleach as Floor Cleaner?

What are the dangers of using bleach to clean hardwood floors?

While bleach is an effective disinfectant and cleaner for other surfaces, it poses certain dangers when used on wood floors. Some of these potential risks include:

Color Fading

Bleach is a strong oxidising agent that can fade the colour of fabrics, carpets, and other materials like wood floor. To make sure it won't damage your floor's surface, test a small area of your floor first before using it completely.

Corrosion

Bleach can oxidise and corrode certain metals, including stainless steel. So if your floors have metal components in their design, using bleach as a cleaner may not be a good idea because they may just corrode your floors over time.

Deterioration

Bleach is typically made of harmful chemicals, which means that it may not be suitable for all types of flooring. For instance, it may not be generally recommended to use bleach on hardwood floors as it can strip the finish and damage the hardwood. For tiles, it may corrode the grout between tiles and cause discoloration. Not only that but prolonged use may weaken the structure of the material and cause it to deteriorate.

How do you create a bleach solution that is safe to use on wood floors?

Using bleach to clean floors is dangerous, so here's a guide that you can follow to create a safe and effective disinfecting solution.

Wear Protective Equipment

Before you get started, wear your safety gears first to protect your eyes and skin from direct exposure to bleach. As much as possible, work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling toxic fumes. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate.

Check Concentration

Make sure that you are using regular household bleach containing 5-6% sodium hypochlorite. This is important since different concentrations or specialised bleaches may require specific dilution ratios. Check the label to make sure the bleach solution is effective for disinfection and cleaning purposes. If the bleach container does not indicate the concentration level, consult the manufacturer's instructions or contact the product's customer support.

Dilution Ratio

Dilute your bleach accordingly depending on the indicated concentration level. But typically, you can mix 1/4 cup of bleach on 2 and 1/2 cups of warm water. This should be enough to create a suitable solution to clean and disinfect floors. Be sure to measure accurately and mix the solution thoroughly before applying it to surfaces.

Takeaway

While bleaching floors is safe on certain floors, the task itself is not safe for everyone. It can pose risks, particularly if you lack experience. If you have concerns about using bleach or if you are unsure about its suitability for your specific flooring type, it's best to seek professional advice or hire professional cleaners who can carry out the task with safety, quality, and efficiency.

At Elleisha's Property Services, we offer reliable and professional cleaning services that include floor cleaning. With our expertise, years of experience, and the use advanced cleaning tools, we can ensure that your floors are cleaned thoroughly, effectively, and safely. Call us today to get a free quote.