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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

How to use bleach after stomach bug?

15 replies

Bake · 14/11/2025 11:48

I feel stupid asking this but I don't use bleach for general cleaning and have no idea how to use it. I used to use it neat down the toilet before finding more environmentally friendly methods.

My 2yo DS has a stomach bug and has spent the night and morning throwing up. I understand I should use bleach on hard surfaces and hot wash textiles that have been in contact or near his sick.

How do I use the bleach? What bleach to water ratio do I need? Could I mix some in a spray bottle so it is ready to use when needed? If I've already cleaned the area before bleaching, do I need to wipe the bleach away? Or just let it dry? Will a watered down bleach solution discolour things? He's been sick all over our oak veneer dining table and his tripp trapp high chair, I've cleaned it up with wipes and Dettol, can I use watered down bleach or will it ruin them!?

OP posts:
Coffeeishot · 14/11/2025 11:50

Do you have an antibacterial spray or Milton? Use that for surfaces it is fine. If you want to use bleach fill a basin squirt of bleach and just wipe down

TheFlis · 14/11/2025 11:52

I only ever use bleach in toilets. Antibacterial spray everywhere else. Bleach everywhere would stink and ruin wood.

Coffeeishot · 14/11/2025 11:53

Bleach shouldn't discolour hard surfaces and it doesn't need rinsed open your kitchen window to air out the smell/fumes

Coffeeishot · 14/11/2025 11:55

TheFlis · 14/11/2025 11:52

I only ever use bleach in toilets. Antibacterial spray everywhere else. Bleach everywhere would stink and ruin wood.

Edited

It does really smell i only use in the toilet, years ago I used to bleach cloths because that is what my mum did now I just wash them in the machine

CrinaCara · 14/11/2025 11:57

Zoflora apparently kills noro. I can't use bleach on my bathroom wall panels so had to use hot water and soap when ds was ill everywhere

Lostuser · 14/11/2025 12:00

as per PP if you’re not keen on using bleach use an antibacterial spray or a disinfectant such as dettol (or any other brand, obviously :-) )
EDIT
if you are diluting bleach be careful if you’re doing it with hot water because of the fumes

Wonderknicks · 14/11/2025 12:02

Any cleaner including washing up liquid with hot water will be fine. Detergent disrupts the viral membrane, no need for bleach.
Also, anti bacterial products are no more effective than normal cleaners & can lead to bacterial resistance.

Coffeeishot · 14/11/2025 12:23

CrinaCara · 14/11/2025 11:57

Zoflora apparently kills noro. I can't use bleach on my bathroom wall panels so had to use hot water and soap when ds was ill everywhere

Yeah zoflora is a disinfectant that will kill most bugs.

JanetRobertaSnakehole · 14/11/2025 12:25

I'm not too sure about the oak veneer table, but for everything else you can use a diluted bleach solution of a couple of tablespoons of bleach in a couple of litres of water. If using a spray bottle, spray the area and leave for 5 minutes before wiping off. Contrary to what others have said, normal antibac won't kill noro (which I think you already know, hence asking about the bleach).

Hope your son is feeling better soon and that you don't catch it!

Coffeeishot · 14/11/2025 12:29

My supermarket brand antibac spray kills nurovirus.

Coffeeishot · 14/11/2025 12:31

Coffeeishot · 14/11/2025 12:29

My supermarket brand antibac spray kills nurovirus.

Or says it does.

InNewYorkNoShoes · 14/11/2025 12:32

CrinaCara · 14/11/2025 11:57

Zoflora apparently kills noro. I can't use bleach on my bathroom wall panels so had to use hot water and soap when ds was ill everywhere

Use Zofora everywhere. Use in a bottle and spay around the house too.

ThankYouVeryMuchJerry · 14/11/2025 12:39

After a recent family stomach upset (think it was norovirus 😩) I bleached the toilets and wiped everything else down with Clinell spray. I think they use it in hospitals and surgeries.

Ahwig · 14/11/2025 12:48

Sainsbury’s do a pack of bleach toilet seat wipes . I use those in circumstances smitten yours.

CrinaCara · 14/11/2025 15:49

Btw, hope your little two year old is feeling better, poor love

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