When you use bleach for cleaning or sanitizing surfaces, the smell that these products emit is unbearable for many. Bleach has been used for centuries for cleaning houses and removing fabric stains. Some people also use it as a cleaning booster alongside usual laundry detergent. But the smell it emits afterwards is unpleasant, overwhelming, and harmful, too, which can get trapped in the furniture, walls, carpets, etc.
Hence, some homeowners often wonder, “How to get rid of bleach smell?” Here are some easy and effective methods discussed in this blog, so read it till the end.
6 Ways to Get Rid of Bleach Smell
Here are 6 effective ways you can remove bleach smell from your home -
Open Windows and Increase Ventilation
Before cleaning the home, open the doors and windows in kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms. Also, turn on the kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans, or add a circulating box fan. This will remove the bleach odor easily and quickly.
Use an Air Purifier
An air purifier draws indoor air and passes it through the filter. The filter collects the pollutants and any unpleasant odor, and pushes back clean air into the room.
Do Not Mix it With Other Cleaners
It is strictly advised not to mix any other cleaners or chemicals with bleach, especially ammonia. This is because the combination of ammonia and bleach creates a toxic chloramine vapor, which is harmful. In addition, do not mix bleach with other everyday cleaners, such as -
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Glass cleaners
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Multi-purpose cleaners
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Common toilet bowl cleaners
Some even advise not to mix bleach with vinegar, too. When bleach is combined with any other cleaners, they give off chlorine gas, which can be dangerous to health if inhaled. For example, it can cause irritation in the eyes and nose, and can also cause breathing problems.
Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is a base, and chlorine bleach is an acid, so using baking soda after cleaning with bleach can neutralize the smell. If you have an accidental bleach spill, either sprinkle baking soda or keep the box open for it to absorb the odor while you clean the spill.
Activated Charcoal
Powdered or pellet-activated charcoal is used to filter contamination from the air and water. Before you start working with bleach, place a bowl or canister of activated charcoal in the room to filter out the odor from the air and make the space safe.
Use Essential Oils
Even after taking precautions, if the bleach smell persists, use essential oils on a cotton ball to mask the odor. Though you might be tempted to add a few drops of essential oil to the bleach, it is highly advised to avoid doing so because some oils may contain acids, which can create toxic fumes.
What to Do if the Bleach Smell Sticks to Your Nose?
Sometimes when you clean the house or wash your clothes with bleach, the smell lingers in the nose for a long time. This is annoying, and sometimes, it may worry you, as our nose is very sensitive to chlorine and picks up the scent that sticks in the nose, even after the work is done.
If you sense a bleach smell, here are a few things you can try to remove it -
Get Fresh Air
When you feel like bleach has stuck to your nose, go outside and get some fresh air. Also, open the doors and windows, as it helps get rid of bleach fumes and allows your nose to be at ease. Avoid staying in closed spaces, where possibilities of exposure is high. The longer you stay exposed, the more your nose will get irritated.
Wash Your Nose
To clear out the nasal passage, the best tip is to rinse your nose, as it will help get rid of any bleach particles that might be stuck. You can either use a nasal spray or a neti pot to wash your nose, which helps wash away any bleach particles. It will also moisten the nasal passage, which may get dried due to bleach fumes.
Drink Plenty of Water
If you stay hydrated properly, the nasal passage also stays moist, which helps neutralize the drying effect of bleach. Drinking water also helps flush your system, which removes any bleach particles you may have inhaled. Ensure to drink more water than usual after you’ve been exposed to bleach.
Smell Coffee (Beans or Ground)
Coffee can neutralize odors and can be the best way to combat the smell that stays after bleach use. When working with bleach smell, the coffee beans or keep a plate of coffee beans near you. It neutralizes the smell of the bleach and gives you a pleasant atmosphere to work in.
Steam Inhalation
You can also use steam inhalation to clear your nose. Here’s how you can do it -
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Boil some water and pour it into a bowl.
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Place a towel over your head and slightly lean over the bowl.
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Breathe the steam for a few minutes.
You can add a few drops of essential oils, such as peppermint and eucalyptus. The warm steam opens up your nasal passages, and the oil gives you a fresh scent.
Conclusion
The smell of the bleach in your home and nose is temporary and can be resolved using the methods given above. There are several fresheners available in the market, too, that keep your home fresh after bleach use, so be sure to do your research. But if you experience persistent irritation in the nose, immediately see a doctor. This is because breathing in fumes can cause respiratory issues, which can get more serious if not tended to early.