What Is the Ratio of Bleach & Water to Clean Furniture?

Household bleach is an inexpensive but effective cleaner and disinfectant that can be mixed with water and used on most hard surfaces and some fabrics. When cleaning furniture, the ratio of bleach to water varies depending on what the furniture is made of, what it is used for and what needs to be removed from its surface.

Upholstered Furniture

Use extreme caution if you are considering adding bleach to water that will be used to clean upholstered furniture. Bleach will remove or alter many colors and can damage fabrics such as leather, wool and silk. The makers of Clorox bleach say that almost all cotton whites, most synthetic whites and many printed and colored fabrics can be bleached. However, a "bleachability" test should always be performed by spot washing a small, hidden area. Add only 2 to 4 tablespoons of bleach to 5 gallons of water.

Baby Furniture

Clean and sanitize baby furniture such as highchairs, cribs and changing tables with bleach and water. Mix 3/4 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Sponge down the item and leave the bleach/water mixture on it for five minutes. Rinse it off with clean water and let the item air dry.

Flood Damage

To clean hard, nonporous furniture after it has been in floodwater, the Centers for Disease Control recommends cleaning the item with soap and clean water, then wiping down the item with a mixture of 1 cup bleach to 5 gallons of water. After sanitizing, allow the furniture to air dry.

Mold

If your furniture has been stored in a damp area or has been exposed to water, it may have developed mold. Moldy fabrics and foam will need to be discarded, but a mixture of bleach and water can be used to clean mold growth from hard, nonporous furniture surfaces. Wipe off all soft mold with a paper towel and discard the towel. The CDC advises mixing 1 cup bleach with 1 gallon water. Wash the item with the bleach mixture, scrubbing with a stiff brush if necessary. Rinse with clean water and dry the item or leave it exposed to the air to dry out.

Safety

You should never mix bleach with ammonia, acid or other cleaners, as harmful or even fatal fumes can develop. Many people realize that ammonia is a cleaner on its own, but according to the Washington State Department of Health, ammonia and acid also can be found in some glass and window cleaners. Vinegar and automatic dishwasher detergents could contain acids, so they should not be mixed with bleach to clean your furniture.

References

• Clorox Bleach
• Mixing Bleach
• Cleaning With Bleach