Should You Use Bleach in Your Bathroom? When It Helps, and When It Damages Surfaces

Bleach is one of the strongest cleaning solutions available, able to effectively kill everything from mold and mildew to bacteria and viruses. Since germs thrive in damp conditions, it’s no wonder many of us reach for bleach or bleach-based cleaners when it’s time to clean the bathroom.

But bleach isn’t always the ideal product for cleaning bathrooms and can even damage some surfaces.

We talked with experts in the industry to find out what areas of your bathroom can be cleaned with bleach and which should be avoided.

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What You Can Clean With Bleach

Since bleach is such a strong chemical, it can be the perfect solution to use when you want to truly deep clean your bathroom.

However, Lisa Macqueen, CEO of Cleancorp, says it’s important to use bleach “sparingly and strategically.”

“Bleach is best used for disinfecting toilet bowls [and] tile grout…which are commonly areas with built up mold and germs,” she says.

Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, seconds Macqueen’s advice.

“Bleach is an excellent product when doing a deep clean of certain areas in the bathroom and used carefully,” she says. “It is effective against stains, is a whitener, and disinfects non-porous hard surfaces.”

To clean with bleach, follow these expert-informed guidelines below:

• Toilet bowls: Cleaning your toilet bowl with bleach is simple and will help remove stains and restore whiteness. All you need to do is squirt a little bit of bleach in the bowl, leave it to sit for a minimum of 10 minutes, then scrub and flush.
• Grout: Bleach can also help remove stains in grout, but make sure to dilute the chemical, as too much can corrode grout over time. “Combine one part bleach with 10 parts water and apply with a sponge or old toothbrush to whiten stained grout,” says Mock. “Wash out afterward.”
• Shower walls and bathtubs: As Macqueen mentioned, bleach can help tackle mold and mildew stains on non-porous materials, so it is a great solution for deep cleaning your shower or bathtub. After applying the diluted solution, leave it to sit for several minutes before rinsing well.

4 Things You Should Avoid Cleaning With Bleach

While beach is certainly an excellent disinfectant and stain remover, it can also cause damage and discoloration when paired with the wrong materials and surfaces. To keep your bathroom fixtures in their best shape for the long haul, and to help you avoid expensive repairs, skip the following items and areas when cleaning with bleach.

• Natural stone surfaces: Since bleach can erode the sealant on surfaces like marble and granite, it may dull and discolor the material over time. Instead, use a diluted solution of dish soap and warm water.
• Metal hardware: While metal finishes may seem strong and durable, they are also susceptible to scratches and corrosion when faced with bleach. That’s why Mock and Macqueen suggest you steer clear of cleaning items like faucets, cabinet handles, and other metal fixtures with bleach.
• Rubber seals: Bleach can slowly break down rubber components in your showers and toilets, so it’s best not to use the solution on this material.
• Porous or colored surfaces: As a rule of thumb, it’s best to avoid cleaning porous or painted surfaces with bleach, as it can leave yellow or white splotches behind. This includes materials like wood furniture and painted cabinets or walls.

Tips for Cleaning With Bleach

• Macqueen recommends diluting bleach with water in a ratio of one to 10.
• Wear rubber gloves any time you’re dealing with bleach, as well as clothes you’re not concerned about staining.
• Both our experts agree it’s imperative to have good ventilation in the bathroom when you’re cleaning with bleach, so be sure to open doors and windows when using this solution.
• Always rinse thoroughly after using bleach.
• Avoid mixing bleach with other cleaners, especially ammonia or acids, as this can produce harmful gases.
• If you’re concerned about the effect bleach may have on your possessions, test it in a small, inconspicuous area before committing fully.