Average pH Level of Bleach, Borax, and Other Common Cleaning Supplies

pH of Chlorine Bleach: 11 to 13

Chlorine bleach nearly tips the scale to the top of the alkaline level. Cleaners at either extreme end of the pH scale are corrosive and require proper ventilation. Bleach should not be used on many surfaces. Keep bleach away from stone, wood, stainless steel, most metals, and dyed fabrics.

Bleach is fantastic at whitening white clothing and removing stains when used to clean tiles, bathrooms, or kitchen appliances. However, it is always recommended that liquid chlorine bleach be diluted with water before use.

pH of Ammonia: 11 to 12

Ammonia is another highly alkaline substance with a pH of around 12. It can also be corrosive and needs to be used in a highly ventilated area. Ammonia is not safe to be mixed with other ingredients; harmful gases will result. However, it can work wonders with tough dirt and grime, making it a formidable cleaner.

pH of Oven Cleaner: 11 to 13

Most oven cleaners are as alkaline as ammonia, giving them great power to cut through tough grease and grime. These cleaners are also at the top of the alkaline scale, so take great care when using oven cleaners.

pH of Tub and Tile Cleaner: 11 to 13

Tub and tile cleaner is another alkaline substance that effectively removes dirt and grime, but it can also be corrosive. Be cautious and ventilate the room where you are using tub and tile cleaner.

ph of Window and Glass Cleaner: 3 to 10

Depending on the ingredients in the window and glass cleaner, the pH of the cleaner can range from 3 to 10. Glass cleaners made with vinegar can be as low as pH 3.0, while glass cleaners with ammonia can be as high as pH 10.0.

pH of Borax: 10

With a 10 on the pH scale, Borax is not as corrosive as some of its cousins, like bleach and ammonia. But It is still an alkaline substance, good at breaking down oils and organic dirt. This is one of the reasons that Borax makes such an effective laundry booster.

pH of Baking Soda: 8 to 9

Baking soda is also an alkaline substance—but just barely. It has enough alkalinity to power through grease and dirt but not enough to make it corrosive. It is a great option for use throughout your home.

ph of Mild Dish Soap: 7 to 10 (Neutral)

Regarding neutrality, mild dish soap comes closest. If your dish soap is labeled mild, gentle, or great for hands, chances are its pH level is near 7 (like Palmolive). This mildness makes dish soap perfect for daily cleaning. Note that Dawn is more alkaline, cutting through grease with a pH of 8.7-9.3. Most surfaces are safe with dish soap, which you can use in many places besides the kitchen sink.

pH of Stone Cleaner: 7 to 10

Most stone cleaners have a pH level of around 7. Since stone surfaces can be damaged by pHs that are too alkaline or too acidic, manufacturers typically produce a neutral pH. Be careful, though. Some stone cleaners can have pHs up to 10.

pH of Hydrogen Peroxide: 3 to 6

The pH of hydrogen peroxide can be 3 to 6 on the pH scale, ranging up or down based on the concentration, the temperature, and how it is produced. Made of hydrogen and oxygen, hydrogen peroxide is mixed with water to form a solution and is commonly used as an oxidizer, bleaching agent, and antiseptic.

pH of Vinegar: 3

On the other end of the pH scale is vinegar. Vinegar is acidic, which makes it great for removing mineral deposits but also makes it possible for it to damage some surfaces, including stone. Many people mistakenly believe vinegar is a perfect all-purpose cleaner, but keep vinegar away from marble countertops, aluminum pots and pans, or brass fixtures.

pH of Lemon Juice: 3

Lemon, like vinegar, is very acidic. While many surfaces, like copper pots and drains, benefit from the acidic cleaning and fresh lemony smell, others can be damaged. Take care when using lemons on stone surfaces or near grout.

pH of Toilet Bowl Cleaner: 1 to 3

Toilet bowl cleaner is another acidic cleaner that helps break down and remove minerals and other non-organic substances. Because of its acid level, caution and ventilation will be needed. Some toilet cleaners can have a pH very close to 0. Because they are at the end of the pH scale, use extreme care when using them.