A new UK survey has revealed a stark contradiction in the nation’s cleaning habits: while most Britons believe bleach may be harmful to health or the environment, nearly nine in 10 people still use it at home.
The research, commissioned by leading eco cleaning brand Delphis Eco and conducted among 1,000 UK adults, found that 88% of people use bleach, despite believing it is harmful. At the same time, attitudes appear to be shifting. Six in 10 people say bleach should be used less frequently, suggesting growing awareness of its potential risks.
Bleach is not currently banned in the UK or EU and remains a widely used household disinfectant. However, it is strictly regulated due to its hazardous properties. Experts warn that it can pose risks when misused or overused.
Bleach is known to:
- Irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs
- Worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma
- Release toxic chlorine gas if mixed with other cleaning products
Environmental concerns are also growing. When washed down drains, bleach can:
- Harm aquatic life in rivers and waterways
- Disrupt beneficial bacteria in wastewater systems
- Form toxic chlorinated compounds when reacting with organic matter
Despite these concerns, bleach remains deeply embedded in UK households, highlighting what experts describe as a ‘behaviour gap’ between awareness and action.
The survey found overwhelming openness to change, as 85% of Britons would consider switching to eco-friendly cleaning products if they believed they worked as effectively as bleach. The findings suggest perceptions around performance – not awareness – may be the final barrier to behaviour change.
Concern around the use of bleach is significantly higher among younger people, as 45% of 25–39-year-olds says bleach is very harmful, compared to just 23% of over-60s. This points to a generational shift in attitudes towards household cleaning products and sustainability.
Mark Jankovich, CEO of Delphis Eco, said: “This research shows a clear disconnect. The opportunity is now to turn awareness into action.
“Advances in modern cleaning formulations mean it’s now entirely possible to achieve high standards of hygiene and effectiveness without relying on harsh, toxic chemicals. Take our own products which are as good – if not better – than any bleach-based cleaning product, yet without the harmful ingredients.
“The world is moving on from old household brands that don’t look after the environment or invest in fresh innovation. The industry needs to help consumers make that transition with confidence – by demonstrating that they don’t have to compromise on performance to make more sustainable choices.”
The findings suggest the UK is at a tipping point. Bleach remains a household staple – but growing awareness of its health and environmental impact, combined with strong willingness to switch, indicates change may be coming.
Eco-friendly alternatives now match traditional products on performance and millions of households are ready to make the switch. However, in a highly competitive and crowded market, awareness remains a key barrier with many consumers simply unaware of the more effective, healthier and sustainable options now available to them.
