It is important to remember that bleach should not be used on all surfaces. It can cause discoloration and damage to certain surfaces, such as fabric, leather, and some types of tile. Bleach should only be used on surfaces that are resistant to its effects, such as porcelain and ceramic tiles.
Don't use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners on your ceramic tiles either. These ingredients are just too strong and they will cause damage. It isn't just the cleaning solutions you use that can be harmful. Avoid using any hard or abrasive cleaning tools.
Bleach is safe when used as directed
It is safe for use on typical hard, nonporous surfaces in showers and bathrooms like glazed ceramic tile, vinyl, stainless steel, fiberglass and sealed grout. To protect surfaces, always follow instructions and don't use a stronger dilution or longer contact time than recommended.
Stay away from bleach and harsh chemical cleaners that contain substances like hydrochloric and sulphuric acid as these can damage the finish of your brand new sink. You should also avoid using bicarbonate of soda and vinegar as these can leave marks on the ceramic surface.
Mix a mild detergent with hot water and apply with a rag or chamois mop instead of a sponge mop. A sponge mop pushes dirty water into the grout and soils it. Change the bucket of cleaning solution often so you won't have a dirty mop that leaves a cloudy film of dirt on the floor.
Many homeowners ask if Magic Erasers® can be used on porcelain or if they will damage ceramic tile. The good news is that they can be safely used on ceramic tiles and porcelain, so you have nothing to worry about if you plan on using them this way.
Tiles, let's face it, quickly become soiled and dingy. White vinegar is the ideal eco-friendly cleanser for porcelain, ceramic, or patterned bathroom floor tiles – even on the kitchen.
For white porcelain only, bleach can be used to remove stains; never use chlorine bleach in colored or vintage porcelain, as it can damage the finish. For both white and colored porcelain, liquid oxygen bleach (such as hydrogen peroxide) is a good alternative.
Vinegar is often used in ceramic slurries to change the viscosity (thicken it). While there are more effective flocculants (e.g. calcium chloride, epsom salts), vinegar is popular among potters simply because it is so available. The effect is to gel the slurry.
For cleaning new home ceramics, spray hydrogen peroxide on the ceramics and joints. For tougher stains and dirt, you can allow the solution to sit on the surface for a while, usually a few minutes. Gently clean the surface with a sponge or brush.
Ceramic Basins And Toilets
Some proprietary cleaners can damage the glazed surface and we strongly recommend that the instructions on the bottle of your chosen cleaner are followed. We advise against the practice of leaving strong cleaners or bleach in ceramic products overnight since the glazed surface may be damaged.
The long-term use of bleach on grout can lead to several adverse effects. As an oxidizing agent, bleach can weaken the cement binding the grout, reducing its durability. Additionally, it can cause discoloration, leading to an uneven and blotchy appearance.
Next, ensure you're NOT scrubbing any of the tiled areas with bleach or ammonia products. Chemical cleaners, such as, Tilex, Soft Scrub, Scrubbing Bubbles, or ammonia products will nearly always result in your tile surfaces' grout becoming very discolored.
harsh chemicals, such as bleach and acid, including lemon and vinegar, for routine cleaning; these can cause damage to the tiles and grout if used regularly and are also health hazards as well as posing danger to other property near the tiles.
It's simple. If you use baking soda on your ceramic hob alone, you will scratch it. That being said, if you use it in combination with vinegar as we showed you in our guide, your ceramic hob will be absolutely fine and scratch-free.
As with porcelain tiles, however, make sure you avoid harsh chemical cleaners as these can damage the glaze on the surface of the tiles over time. Steer clear of solutions containing ammonia, bleach and/or acids and you'll be fine.
Chlorine bleach is not recommended for porous ceramics because of the possibility of the absorption of the chlorine into the ceramic body, causing salt crystals to form under the glaze or in any cracks. Peroxide may also react with iron in earthenware ceramics and cause iron staining.
Water is effective in keeping your tile floor looking great.
You can also mix a cup of white vinegar with a gallon of water for a wonderfully effective, odor-eliminating cleanser.
Grout is porous and usually sealed to resist stains. However, acid can degrade these silicone-based sealants, causing them to break down and wash away. Contrary to popular belief, this can happen with just one application of vinegar.
› Leaving neat bleach in the sink can cause damage to all types of sinks. If neat bleach should come into contact with this product, please rinse thoroughly with warm soapy water. Cramer Repair Kit: To help repair larger chips.
Tougher Stains:
Hard scrubbing can damage porcelain. If Daily Cleaning does not remove the discoloration, the use of Hydrogen Peroxide can help remove the discoloration.
For a septic system to work smoothly, it needs good bacteria to break down waste. As you have learned, chlorine bleach kills bacteria, good and bad. However, the amount of diluted bleach used for cleaning a toilet weekly or whitening a load of laundry will not harm a septic system.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Apply the solution to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and scrub with a soft cloth. Create a paste with lemon juice and baking soda. Apply it to the rust stain, let it sit, and scrub gently.
Tile cleaner
If you'd like one product that cleans everything in your bathroom, the famous blue bottle of window cleaner might just be it. Windex can also be used to clean tiles and grout, without causing any damage.
Mixing vinegar and baking soda causes an immediate chemical reaction. This reaction forms water, sodium acetate (a salt) and carbon dioxide – the fizzy part. The amount of carbon dioxide gas that is produced from baking soda is remarkable – one tablespoon (around 18 grams) can release over five litres of gas!