Bleach is one of the oldest and most effective cleaning chemicals around. But walk down any cleaning aisle and you'll see two versions: regular (thin) bleach and thick bleach. They aren't interchangeable, and knowing the difference makes your cleaning faster and safer.
Regular bleach: the all-rounder
Thin bleach flows easily, so it's ideal for:
- Diluting in a bucket to wipe down hard, non-porous surfaces
- Soaking white dishcloths and mop heads
- Whitening laundry (check the garment label first)
- Wiping bins and outdoor areas
Thick bleach: built to cling
Thick bleach has been thickened so it sticks to vertical surfaces instead of running straight down. That extra contact time makes it the right choice for:
- Under the rim of toilet bowls
- Grout lines and shower corners
- Drains and plugholes
- Urinals and washroom fittings
Bleach safety: the non-negotiables
- Never mix bleach with acids (such as many toilet descalers) or ammonia. This releases toxic gases.
- Wear gloves and keep the area ventilated.
- Store it out of reach of children, in its original labelled container.
- Bleach doesn't clean dirt on its own. Clean first, then disinfect.
Stock up
Both Bleach 5L and Thick Bleach 5L are available from our sister store maxproducts.co.za. Keep a 5L of each in the storeroom so the right tool is always to hand. See more in the bathroom & toilet cleaners range.
Products mentioned in this guide
Available now from our sister company Max Products at maxproducts.co.za, in trade sizes and delivered in Cape Town.
Visit maxproducts.co.za →
Bleach 5L
Thick Bleach 5L
Salvatex Household Gloves
