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 ten 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 ten people say bleach should be used less frequently, suggesting growing awareness of its potential risks.

Not banned - but not without 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 bleach can pose risks when misused or overused.

It 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

“A clear behaviour gap”

Despite these concerns, bleach remains deeply embedded in UK households - highlighting what experts describe as a “behaviour gap” between awareness and action.

Huge appetite for eco alternatives

The survey found overwhelming openness to change.

● 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.

Younger generations driving concern

Concern around the use of bleach is significantly higher among younger people.

● 45% of 25–39-year-olds say 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 households brands that do not look after the environment or invest in fresh innovation. And 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.”

A nation at a cleaning crossroads

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 0 with many consumers simply unaware of the more effective, healthier and sustainable options now available to them.

ENDS

Media contact:

Caroline Hole-Jones caroline@thewordconsultancy.com 07867987675

NOTES TO EDITORS

The survey was commissioned by Delphis Eco (https://delphiseco.com), a leading UK eco cleaning brand, and conducted among 1,000 UK adults.

Key findings:

● 88% of respondents use bleach

● 73–84% believe it is harmful

● 60% believe it should be used less

● 85% would consider switching to eco alternatives

● 45% of 25–39-year-olds say bleach is very harmful vs 23% of over-60s

ABOUT DELPHIS ECO

Delphis Eco is a certified B Corporation, winner of the Queens Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in 2022, and the leading manufacturer of professional cleaning products created in Britain.

The company is committed to being Carbon Zero by 2035 through all aspects of its business. Its award-winning, ecological cleaning products are packaged in the UK’s first 100 per cent post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, reducing carbon by 61 per cent compared to using virgin plastic.

With nearly two decades of working in the toughest commercial cleaning environments, Delphis’ products are loved by cleaning professionals countrywide as their formulation ensures the least possible impact on users and the environment, without any compromise on cleaning power.

The entire Delphis Eco range is made from plant-based renewable resources with no testing on animals. It is the first UK manufacturer to have achieved EU Ecolabel (Defra) accreditation.

Delphis Eco is honoured to have been in the first group of Royal Warrants issued by HRH King Charles III and are proud signatories of The Climate Pledge, Plastics Pact, Race To Zero.

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