9 Tricks to Get Rid of Bleach Smells & Clear the Air

If there's one thing you can say about bleach (other than it does a great job killing germs), it certainly has a distinct aroma. So if you've been doing any type of cleaning with bleach, chances are the odor is going to linger. From bleach smells that stick to your hands long after you've sanitized your dishes to having your whole house smell of bleach after a germ-blasting session, we're here to show you how to get rid of bleach smells. 

The easiest way to get rid of bleach smells from your house quickly is to open a window. When I clean my bathroom with bleach (and sometimes I do), no matter what the temperature is outside, I always have an open window while I'm cleaning, and I always leave the window open for about 30 minutes afterward. It'll take about 15 minutes for the smell to dissipate.

When cleaning with bleach, never use straight bleach, which will always have a much stronger odor than diluted bleach. Instead, use a bleach and water solution. A good measure is about ⅓ cup of bleach per gallon of room temperature water. Using bleach in a solution will keep the chemical smell less strong, so it'll go away more quickly, and it's also a lot safer to use.

If you want the bleach smell gone fast and you're game for a secondary wipe down, then use a bleach odor-eliminating product, like RMR Neutralizer. Simply, spritz and wipe down the surfaces after they've dried. This is a professional solution that will eliminate bleach smells immediately, so be sure to read all the manufacturer's instructions before using. 

We've touted the odor-absorbing properties of baking soda a lot over the years, and it really does work to absorb stinky smells within about 30 minutes. So, if you have a little more time and it's just too darn chilly for a cross breeze, setting out a dish of baking soda may just be the solution you need. Put it in the room and let it sit for 30 minutes or so. 

Okay - we get it. White vinegar has its own aroma, but it's one that dissipates quickly. And, it's a great odor neutralizer for bleach smells.

To clean it from your whole house, boil some white vinegar for about an hour. Alternatively, if you can close off the room, pour some white vinegar into a bowl (a cup or two will do) and set it in the area with the bleach smell. Shut the door and come back in about 8 hours. This one is a bit slower, but the vinegar will do the job. 

Activated charcoal works great to neutralize odors, but it's probably something you don't have lying around the house. We love these activated charcoal bags. They're reusable (just stick them in the sunlight for a few hours to deodorize them after they do their work), which makes it a sustainable solution. We keep them on-hand for all kinds of stinky situations, including bleach smells. Just lay them out on a counter or hang them from something, and they'll get to work absorbing odors right away.

If you can't beat the bleach smells quickly enough, you can mask them. We love a simmer pot on the stovetop with aromatic ingredients like cinnamon, vanilla extract, and citrus peels. 

Related: 9 Simmer Pot Recipes That'll Make Your House Smell Terrific

We love our white whites, but we don't love it when they smell like bleach. Fortunately, we have a quick solution. Before drying, put them back through the wash with some white vinegar, and your laundry will smell fresh with no bleach residue. 

Ah the dreaded bleachy hands. Been there! I'm always super self-conscious, like everyone suspects I've been dipping my hands in the toilet or something. But that's probably just me...

Fortunately, it's not tough to get bleach smells off your hands. Start by washing your hands with baking soda, which will neutralize bleach smells. Rub the baking soda and a little water on your hands for 2-3 minutes, and then rinse. Finish by washing your hands as normal, and applying a scented lotion.

Oh - and next time, wear gloves.

Related: Check Out All Our Tips for Getting Bleach Smells Out of Your Hands Quickly

Life's too short to walk around reeking of bleach or living in a house that smells like a swimming pool. With our tips, you can get rid of bleach smells and get back to your real life.