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What in the world. Now someone thinks bleach is bad? Vinegar = mild acidic pH. Ammonia = basic pH. Bleach = basic pH plus oxidizing. Peroxide = oxidizing. If you want to remove unknown contaminants or 'gunk', you need to have many options to your arsenal, because each component of 'gunk' is best removed by a specific set of conditions such as slightly acid or slightly basic, or if pigments are involved, slightly oxidizing. All of these can also destroy many bacteria since bacteria are living things and most are somewhat delicate. But bacteria hide in 'gunk', and are protected by gunk, so getting rid of gunk is always the first step to a clean environment.
I can't think of any gunk that builds up in my house that can't be removed with hot water, soap, vinegar, and elbow grease. I use 0000 steel wool to clean fixtures once a week, preventing mineral build-up, and the shower curtain goes in the laundry every Monday to keep it free of mildew. A Mr. Clean magic sponge makes quick work of soap scum in the bathtub and sinks. Toilets are brushed daily. It takes just a moment and negates the need for caustic cleaning products. Castile soap cleans my counters. Diluted vinegar shines my sinks and mirrors. Baking soda polishes my stove-top. My oven is self-cleaning. The only commercial products I typically buy are dishwasher tabs and laundry detergent. Everything else gets taken care of with a dust cloth, a broom, a vacuum, and an occasional visit from a professional carpet cleaner.
Last edited by randomparent; 04-18-2015 at 09:11 AM..
Clorox Cleanup spray is used in my bathroom shower and sink. It cleans out the gunk and keeps the mildew at bay. I've used it for years. I also use bleach as a toilet bowl cleaner and a drain cleaner (just pour some down the drain and let it sit).
I also use a bleach solution to clean my deck in the spring. That along with a stiff brush works wonders of refreshing the wood. After it dries, I reseal, and it's perfect all summer!
I wonder if this is one of those genetic sense of smell differences. I love the smell of mild bleach but can't stand vinegar or ammonia. Friends of mine who love or don't mind the smell of ammonia absolutely can't stand bleach. I know noone who tolerates both.
Gunk can be gotten rid of with soap, hot water, and a little elbow grease. No need for caustic chemicals.
Like that Mr.Clean 'Eraser'...seen some awful bad burns on toddlers after mom or dad gave them the 'eraser' to let them help remove the crayon marks all over the walls!
I'll keep my bleach and keep using it diluted and sparingly as needed. As with pretty much everything else in life, I find that MODERATION is the key.
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Like that Mr.Clean 'Eraser'...seen some awful bad burns on toddlers after mom or dad gave them the 'eraser' to let them help remove the crayon marks all over the walls! 
