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Car wash -

Keeping your vehicle clean improves its performance. But it's not just about a car wash. For some detailed cleaning, mix up a 50/50 solution of water and bleach and get to work removing dust and grease from the dash and other plastic components of your car's interior. Tip: a toothbrush works wonders as an improvised scrubbing tool.

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Baby clothing -

Making a mess is what toddlers do, and baby clothes are often stained in the process. Use diluted bleach to remove any blotches or blemishes to leave babywear looking as good as new.

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Coolers -

The onset of summer means it's time to unpack the cool box. But after months in storage, it's probably wise to pour a solution of water and bleach into the cooler, close the lid, and leave overnight. This will kill off any germs and leave the box odor-free.

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Cat litter -

Unpleasant cat litter odor can be eradicated by wiping down an already washed and cleaned cat box with diluted bleach. The bleach kills odor-causing microbes.

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Cutting board -

Did you know that a cutting board can hold 200 times more dangerous bacteria than a toilet seat? That's why washing down this kitchen utensil is an essential process. Scrub with warm, soapy water and diluted bleach solution on a daily basis.

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Airborne pests -

Prepare your own airborne disinfectant solution by mixing water, bleach, and your favorite essential oil. Spray around the home to keep germs at bay and your house smelling clean and fresh.

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Mosquito repellent -

Bugs hate bleach, including mosquitoes. So here's a tip: pour bleach into a cup and set it down where mosquitoes are a problem, and watch them buzz off pronto.

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Pet toys -

Pets love to play, and there's nothing better than chomping on a chew toy. Just remember to clean up after them by soaking the toy in a mild solution of water and bleach and afterwards rinsing off in cold water.

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Garden tools -

Implements used in and around the garden pick up lots of muck and gunk. Dirt like this can transfer all sorts of diseases and parasites to your pants and tools. After use, soak garden tools  overnight in water and bleach to eliminate the hazard.

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Plant cuttings -

Plants cuttings are made to grow new plants. One method of keeping a fresh cutting free from disease and rid it of any nasty parasites is to first soak it briefly in bleach diluted with lots of water.

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Swimming pool -

You should always cover an unused swimming pool, or better still drain the water. Sometimes this isn't possible or practical. But water left for long periods can accumulate a green film of algae. Add a 3.5 liters (approximately one gallon) of bleach for every 38 liters (approximately 10 gallons of water) and watch algae dissolve rapidly.

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Cups and mugs -

Using a diluted bleach and water solution is an excellent way of getting rid of tea and coffee stains in cups and mugs. Leave overnight and rinse thoroughly the following morning in cold, running water.

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Flower pots and planters -

You can disinfect garden flower pots and planters by using bleach. First, wash and rinse the vessels thoroughly with cold water. Next, soak them in a solution of around half a cup of bleach to 3.5 liters of water (approximately one gallon). Leave for 10 minutes before rinsing.

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Dog crate -

Looking after your pet pooch requires considerable effort, and that includes washing down that crate now and again. Use warm water mixed with bleach to freshen up and sanitize.

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Cut flowers -

Did you know that you can prolong the life of fresh flowers simply by re-cutting the stems on the diagonal and placing the blooms in cold water mixed with just a few drops of bleach?

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Grout -

The grout between floor tiles is notorious for collecting dirt and grime, and can harbor germs. Use bleach to disinfect and brighten grout by applying directly and scrubbing with a brush to clean it.

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Plastic lawn furniture -

Often exposed to the elements for long periods, plastic lawn furniture always benefits from a wash and brush up. Use a warm, soapy water mixed with half a cup of bleach for the best results. Rinse in cold water and allow to air-dry.

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Moss and algae -

Brick, concrete, and stone provide a perfect surface for moist moss and algae to cling to. To rid yourself of this dense and unsightly plant covering, scrub with a solution of a near cupful of bleach in 3.5 liters (one gallon) of water.

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Porcelain -

For showroom quality white porcelain, place several paper towels over the item and saturate them with an undiluted bleach solution. Soak for 30 minutes. Afterwards, rinse and pat down with a dry cloth. Be sure to undertake this method in a well-ventilated environment.

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Garbage bins -

Garbage bins often kick up a stink, especially in hot weather. Clean bins now and again by first washing down with hot, soapy water before deodorizing and sanitizing them with bleach diluted with water.

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Weeds -

Zap weeds into touch by using undiluted bleach aimed into those difficult-to-reach cracks and crevices in paths and walkways where undesirable plant life tends to lurk.

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Most surfaces -

Make cleaning surfaces easier by creating your own disinfectant spray. Combine two cups of water and one tablespoon of bleach for a grime-busting solution that will make short work of sanitizing sealed tile, wood, and countertops, and other non-porous plastic surfaces.

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Butcher's block -

Dilute a dash of bleach in two liters (approximately half a gallon) of tepid water. Dip a brush into the solution and lightly scrub the surface, taking care not to saturate the wood. Rinse with cold water, laced perhaps with lemon juice. Dab dry with a clean cloth.

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Glass dishware -

For squeaky clean dishware, add a teaspoon of bleach to your soapy dishwasher for bright and sparkling results.

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White linen -

Want to keep your bedding looking crisp and bright? Add a dash of bleach to your regular detergent before the washing cycle for clean, germ-free linen every time.

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Toys -

Kids' toys tend to pick up a fair bit of grime over time, especially plastic building blocks, animal shapes, and other non-porous objects. Keep them clean by placing them in a 50/50 mixture of water and bleach and allowing them to soak overnight.

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Mold and mildew -

Mold and mildew can be hazardous to health. The bathroom environment is especially susceptible to this unsightly organic matter, where it often accumulates on tiles and on shower curtains. The solution? A mixture of equal parts bleach and water sprayed over the affected area. Wait 20 minutes then scrub clean and rinse.

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Christmas tree -

Here’s a year-end tip. A dash of bleach diluted in hot water mixed with a cup of sugar poured within the stand bowl will extend the life of your Christmas tree. No more loose pine needles on the carpet!

Sources: (CDC) (news.com.au) (Epic Gardening) (The Spruce)

Sea also: The healing and cleaning properties of lemon juice

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