When trying to find a way to keep the toilet perfectly clean, bleach might be the most convenient solution. It is a strong substance, meaning that your cleaning process will go quite smoothly. However, is it really safe to flush bleach down the toilet after cleaning it?
Flushing bleach down the toilet is possible and safe as long as you ensure that it is diluted with water. Since bleach acts as a powerful cleaning agent, you need to bear in mind that it contains strong ingredients. That is why water will help in breaking it down into salt and water, and turn it into a biodegradable substance.
Not sure whether it is safe to use bleach while cleaning your toilet? Then, you will find all the answers in this article. Here, we will explain the safe ways of using bleach along with some precautions you need to take when flushing bleach down the toilet.
Is It Okay To Flush Bleach Down The Toilet?
It is a well-known fact that bleach is a quite convenient agent when cleaning a toilet. Namely, when you want to ensure that your toilet will be completely clean and disinfected, bleach will be your solution. However, it is also known that bleach is strong, and it can cause some issues with your toilet.
On the other hand, even though bleach is a strong cleaning agent, that does not mean that you cannot use it altogether. There are ways that will help you determine when it is safe to flush bleach down the toilet without any consequences. In order to be on the safe side when using bleach in your toilet, you should consider several points:
- Use only bleach that is diluted with water.
- Contact the manufacturer of your toilet.
- Do not use bleach if your toilet has rust stains.
- Use protective gear when using bleach for cleaning a toilet.
If you intend to use bleach for cleaning the toilet, make sure that you dilute it with water. This is how you make the bleach biodegradable. Biodegradable materials and substances are safe to flush down the toilet, meaning they will not cause any issues in the sewer drain pipes and the whole sewer system.
In addition, if you want to be 100% sure that it is okay to use bleach in your toilet bowl, it is wise to contact the manufacturer of your toilet. They can tell you whether it is okay to pour bleach down the toilet, and you will be certain that you are doing the right thing. However, even if they do not mention it, make sure that you dilute the bleach before using it.
Another point that needs to be taken into consideration, is the condition of your toilet bowl. If your toilet bowl has rust stains, bleach will not clean them, but it will make the situation worse. That is, this will enhance the stains, and make them permanent, and it is definitely not something you are looking for.
However, rust stains in the toilet are removable. You can remove them by using ½ cup of baking soda and white vinegar. First, you will need to apply the baking soda, and then spray a little bit of white vinegar on the stains. You will need to let the stains sit for a while, and then just flush the toilet.
Lastly, do not forget to wear protective gear when using bleach. You will need to wear gloves and goggles and do the cleaning process in a well-ventilated area. Otherwise, you might run the risk of getting your skin, eyes, or lungs irritated by bleach.
Can You Clean The Exterior Part Of Your Toilet With Bleach?
While bleach can be the ideal cleaning agent for toilet bowls, it is not recommended to use it for cleaning the exterior of your toilet. This is due to the fact that when bleach comes in contact with ammonia left from urine creates toxic gasses. These gasses are quite harmful, and you should not take the risk of coming in close contact with them.
On the other hand, if you need to clean with bleach, i.e. if this is the only solution you have for your toilet, then you might make some alterations. Namely, you will first need to clean the surface with a mild detergent, and only then use diluted bleach for cleaning the exterior. This way you ensure that you have got rid of the ammonia that might be on the surface of the toilet.
To be on the safe side, you should wipe the surface with an all-purpose detergent after the whole cleaning process. While this might seem like a time-consuming activity, it needs to be done in order to make sure that you are keeping yourself and the household safe.
How To Dispose Of Bleach Safely?
Since we established that bleach can be a harmful substance, it should be handled with care. This refers not only to the cleaning process but also to the disposing process as well. There are two ways that will allow you to dispose of bleach safely.
Pour It Down The Drain
As previously mentioned, you should only pour bleach down the drain if it is in a diluted condition. That means that you can get rid of bleach by flushing it down the sink, but only if you mix it with water first. Also, make sure that while you do that you have a good flow of running water during the whole process.
Give It To Neighbors Or Relatives
If you need to get rid of the bleach, first, ask some of your relatives or neighbors whether they are in need of bleach. It is always better to use the bleach up than pour it down the drain. Also, you can make a donation to some community or something similar, because there is always someone in need of bleach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bleach Cause Damage To Your Toilet?
If not diluted with water, bleach can cause damage to your toilet that is beyond repair. Bleach behaves well with fireclay and porcelain, but in the case of an enamel toilet, it can come to oxidation of iron. That usually results in the occurrence of rust stains in the toilet.
Can You Leave Bleach In The Toilet Overnight?
If you want to disinfect the toilet bowl thoroughly, you may get better results by leaving the bleach in the toilet overnight. However, one night is the maximum amount of time that bleach can stay in the toilet. Otherwise, you may end up with rust stains in the toilet bowl.
Can Bleach Unclog Drains?
Although it is a popular belief that bleach is good for unclogging toilet pipes, it is quite the opposite. Bleach works well for cleaning and disinfection of the toilet, but it can damage pipes that are clogged. That is, it can only add to the clogs without doing anything beneficial.
Final Thoughts
As long as you use bleach appropriately, you and your toilet are safe. Now, you have learned in what way you should clean with bleach and avoid any further damage. That means that you are ready to clean your toilet and make it sparkly, so do not waste any more time!
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.