When we think of sanitation and disinfecting, we may picture the smell of chlorine, bleach, or the harshness of alcohol on our hands, as well as the overwhelming fragrances left over after applying hand sanitiser. Bleach and alcohol can be powerful for disinfection, but they’re not always the most practical, pleasant, or safest for everyday cleaning.
So how does Vera compare?
How Bleach and Alcohol Work
⚠️ Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite)
- Used for: High-risk areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and medical settings.
- Kills: A broad range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
- Needs: Careful dilution, good ventilation, and rinsing well after use especially on and within food preparation surfaces.
- Challenges: Strong chemical fumes, potential skin/eye irritation, corrosive, can weaken and discolour fabrics, and deactivated by organic matter such as blood, milk, faeces, or dirt, meaning surfaces have to be cleaned beforehand.
⚠️ Alcohol-Based Sanitisers
- Used for: Disinfecting glass, electronics, and in gel or sprays for sanitising hands.
- Kills: Germs on contact but only when the alcohol concentration is 60–90%.
- Needs: No rinse, but may evaporate too fast to fully kill all pathogens.
- Challenges: Flammable, harsh and drying to skin, can damage certain materials, and less effective on visibly dirty surfaces.
How Vera Clean Compares
Vera Clean is a versatile multi-purpose cleaning concentrate designed to simultaneously clean, deodorise, sanitise, and protect from pathogen regrowth. Using a blend of plant-based surfactants and supporting ingredients to enhance its cleaning, deodorising, and disinfecting power, Vera works by removing a surface’s biofilm so that dirt can be flushed out and the area cleaned properly to inhibit germ regrowth. In this way, Vera can replace single use cleaning products as an everyday cleaner and disinfectant especially for cleaning medical settings and high traffic areas.
Gentle Formula, Effective Results
- Vera is a low-tox formula that removes soiling by stripping the surface biofilm which can often feel slimy and look grimey. With a few applications, Vera is able to penetrate the surface quicker and clean more effectively over time.
- Vera works well in both acidic and alkaline environments, making it versatile in various cleaning applications.
Easier on Skin and Surfaces
- No harsh chemical fumes, no cracked hands, and no bleach stains on your clothes.
- Vera is mild and non-irritating which is ideal for people with sensitive skin.
- Vera is non corrosive and can be used on most surfaces when diluted with water. We always recommend spot testing before use.
Designed for Frequent Cleaning
- Vera is designed for frequent cleaning, helping to maintain a clean, fresh-smelling space without overexposure to strong chemicals every day.
- Vera prevents mineral build up that can reduce cleaning efficiency.
- Vera also acts as a broad spectrum disinfectant against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
- Vera leaves a microscopic layer after cleaning which is designed to inhibit dirt, dust, and germs.
- With a few applications as more biofilm is removed, less solution is needed to maintain cleanliness – meaning less product use and less time needed to clean.
Vera Clean vs. Bleach and Alcohol
Feature | Bleach | Alcohol | Vera Clean |
---|---|---|---|
Kills germs | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
No harsh fumes | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ |
Safe for frequent use | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ |
Gentle on surfaces | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ |
The Vera Difference
Bleach and alcohol work, but they are strong, abrasive, and best used in deep-cleaning situations. Vera is recommended for everyday cleaning in homes, small businesses, and anyone wanting to clean more effectively with less effort and fewer chemicals without cutting corners.
Further Reading:
- A Caution About Bleach and Chlorinated Sanitizers for Milking Equipment and Bottles https://www.rawmilkinstitute.org/updates/bleach-caution
- Cleaning and Disinfecting with Bleach
https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/cleaning-and-disinfecting-with-bleach.html - What to Know About Rubbing Alcohol
https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/ss/rubbing-alcohol-uses