Bleach is among the most common household items. Almost every house has bleach, and we often use it to clean surfaces and clothes. But have you ever wondered that the same bleach can also be used to kill toenail fungus?
Bleach and water, when mixed together make hypochlorous acid, which is an anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial chemical. That is why bleach is an effective home remedy to kill toenail fungus.
Most of us has, but the logical connection of fungus killing and bleach needs to be explored before we believe it.
This article is for those who are still confused about the use of bleach as a toenail fungus killer, the proper way to use it and keeping yourself safe too.
Bleach and toenail fungus
Before we start talking about bleach to cure the toenail fungus, let us first understand what toenail fungus is and how it attacks. Toenail fungus is a very common fungal disease, and almost every other person has suffered with it.
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Fungus and fungal spores are widespread in air and water, and the fun fact is they are invisible, so you never know when they settled on your skin or inside your mouth.
General cleaning habits are essential to avoid such incidents but keeping your feet clean can be a challenging task.
Whenever our toenail gets injured, or cut, or when we wear tight shoes that put some pressure on the toenail. Fungal spores sometimes present in our shoes or on the ground gets inside our nail bed.
They gradually grow, make the toenail painful, and can even lead to the complete destruction of the nail.
Symptoms of toenail fungus
The following are the most obvious and prevalent symptoms of toenail fungus.
- Nail thickening.
- Yellowing of the nail.
- White spots on the toenail.
- Purple or bluish toenail.
- Green toenails are a sign of advanced stage.
- Pain in toenail.
- Digestion issues.
- Brittle nails, it may come off like a powder.
Does Bleach Kill Toenail Fungus?
Many people ask me like, will bleach kill toenail fungus? So, the answer is Yes, bleach is a regular disinfectant, when mixed with water it can kill infectious micro-organism like bacteria and fungi. Bleach is also one of the oldest home remedies to treat fungus too.
And by now, you must be wondering what are the key ingredients or reactions that are killing the toenail fungus with bleach?
So, let me answer this question, it will also help you consider the use of bleach as a logical solution to kill toenail fungus.
First, if you think that bleach is a faster solution to get rid of toenail fungus, you need a fact check. Bleach is the slowest solution. It will take longer than 6 months or even 9 months to kill toenail fungus with bleach.
Most people think that the fungus is gone just within a few weeks when it is only the discoloration of the toenail. By using the bleach toenail fungus would not go easily. It would take a lot of time.
The main thing which will be responsible for killing the toenail fungus by using the bleach solution is the hypochlorous acid, which is a results of mixing the bleach and water. And this is an antifungal chemical which aids in killing the fungus.
Also, never ever think to make a concentrated of bleach and water to treat toenail fungus if you are not feeling any improvement. For some people, this solution can do wonders especially for the mild cases. However, it is not the best solution for all.
Is it safe to use bleach for toenail fungus?
Bleach as active caustic solution which can harm your skin. To treat toenail fungus, it is better to use diluted solution instead of concentrated bleach. Both chlorine and non-chlorine belches are equally dangerous when used without dilution.
If you face the following symptoms, immediately stop using bleach to treat toenail fungus.
- Itching, this is the first sign to stop using the bleach solutions to kill toenail fungus.
- A burning sensation, it means that the bleach solution is undiluted, and you need to take out your feet and put it under water immediately.
- Skin damage.
- More pain at the spot of infection.
Another issue that most of the users are liable to is damage to eyes. While pouring bleach in a container, chances are that users may get it into their eyes. It is very dangerous for eyes, as it can damage it permanently.
One more thing, that is quite possible. Is breathing in the bleach, while mixing the bleach you may inhale a few droplets of bleach.
It can damage the respiratory function of the user. In case you inhale the bleach, you may feel the following symptoms, take them as alarming indicators and rush to the doctor.
- Dizziness.
- Short of breath.
- Coughing.
- Nausea.
While using bleach to kill toenail fungus, make sure that it does not touch your skin directly. Use gloves and carefully pour it out in the tub.
Home remedies for toenail fungus bleach
A lot of people believe that it will be nothing but stupidity to follow home-remedies. It is mainly because no one would come up and advertise the home-remedies.
However, home remedies are not the only solution, and most of the times it is better to accompany these solutions with some other medications.
There are many ways to use the bleach to cure toenail fungus. Here are the 3 best commonly used methods to kill the nail fungus with bleach.
1. Bleach solution for toenail fungus
In this section we will discuss what are the most effective ways to use bleach for killing toenail fungus. Bleach is an active ingredient and can kill the toenail fungus.
You need the following things to use bleach as a toenail fungus killer. It is easy and instant, however the duration required to get the best results can annoy the busy bees.
- Bleach, the most appropriate bleach for this is Sodium Hypochlorite, so it is better to check because usually it is the chlorine bleach available for household use.
- Half gallon waters.
- Towels.
- A tub.
Follow these steps for effective results.
a) Preparing Bleach solution
Fill the tub with half gallon of water, it can be an old tub, but make sure that it is clean without any cracks. The tub must be clean, you probably do not want to create a new mess.
Now add three to four tablespoons of bleach in it and mix properly. The accurate ratio for bleach and water is 1 tablespoon of bleach in one gallon of water. Do not add more than this if you want to use the diluted bleach solution for toenail fungus.
b) Prepping your feet
Now wash your feet properly, with a reliable antibacterial soap. Wipe all the water, and pat dry your feet.
Now, bleach soak for toenail fungus, i.e put your feet/ toenail to soak in the bleach and water mixture. Dirty feet can worsen the side effects; as bleach is already an active ingredient, any small particle on your feet can react with the bleach leading to some injury or infection.
c) Let it stay
Now, you must let the bleach solution have some effect on the toenail fungus. It is only possible after a 15 to 20 minutes soaking.
Our skin already will not absorb chlorine, when diluted it will create different Hypochlorite and Hypochlorous acid.
These reactions will take time and that is why it is essential to wait, otherwise, it will be a waste of bleach only.
d) Wait a few hours to check the first reaction
If you are trying it for the first time, wait for a few hours to see how your skin has reacted for it.
If everything is fine, you do not feel any itchiness, or redness on your toes and skin, then it is fine and you must prepare for the next session.
How often do we need to follow this?
You should repeat this process twice a day until the fungus is completely killed. It will not happen over night so do not expect anything like magic here.
You need to repeat it twice a day, for at least 3 months, this sounds really annoying, but the first result would be visible after 10 days.
What if can’t soak?
Soaking feet for 10 minutes twice a day in the bleach and repeating this for months can be difficult. So, to solve this issue, you can use this by keeping it in a bottle, and then apply it through cotton pads.
2. Bleach paste for toenail fungus
Bleach paste is another way to treat toenail fungus with bleach. This is an instant bleach paste and should not be stored somewhere. You need two things to make this paste.
- Bleach (Of course)
- Petroleum jelly
The procedure is very simple, you just need to apply petroleum jelly on the infected toenail.
After that, drop some bleach on it.
Also, if you don’t want to apply separately, you can mix both, the Petroleum jelly and Bleach in constant proportion and then apply this paste directly on the fungus.
Let this paste/mixture sit on the toenail for 15 minutes and wipe it off with clean towels/tissues.
For good results, use twice daily for at least 3-4 months and then, you can continue more depending upon the fungus level.
3. Bleach and Vicks for nail fungus
If in case, you do not have the petroleum jelly to treat toenail fungus, it is better to use Vicks.
Research supports the use of Vicks to treat toenail fungus when combined with bleach to make a paste.
So, similarly here, just mix the bleach and Vicks to form a paste in direct proportion and then just apply it simply on the fungus directly.
You need to apply this solution, under the nail. Applying it over the cuticle would not help, because there is no such liquid to carry the Hypochlorous acid to the fungal infection site. So, try to use a cotton bud, to apply it.
You can then wash it after 15-20 minutes.
Use it twice daily for at least 3 months if you have less fungus, And if you have more that you would be able to notice, then you can continue on it for some more months.
Which bleach solution is better?
Both the bleach and water mixture, and the bleach paste are effective. To claim one of these methods better would not be correct. It depends on the skin condition. For people with sensitive skin, the dilute bleach solution will be safer to use.
The bleach paste is a concentrated mixture. If you have a deteriorating fungal infection it is better to use the paste initially, it will be more effective.
So, this is how to cure toenail fungus with bleach but there are still many important things to know before you go for it.
Side effects of bleach for nail fungus
Toenail fungus is a very widespread fungal infection, and over the year people have found some really effective treatments for this. One of them is the bleach; it may sound quite appealing and affordable.
One does not need to visit the doctor or the pharmacist to get doses, or creams. We all have bleach at home, as it is a cleaning staple. However, still, we all have this notion that bleach is harmful. We learned this in school.
As far as the medicine experts are concerned, they do not believe bleach as a reliable and safe treatment for toenail fungus. It may kill the fungus, but its over use can lead to itching, skin damage, and rashes.
So, below are the side effects of using bleach for toenail fungus.
- Bleach contains chlorine which is not only harmful, but our skin would not absorb it. So, chances are that it will settle on the upper layer of the skin leaving a damaging effect. In some cases, when our skin lets the chlorine content in, it kills the toenail fungus, otherwise, there is no use to have bleach as a toenail fungus killer.
- The active chlorine in bleach is highly damaging for the nerves and blood veins. So, chances are that it may lead to some serious health issue. Users need to check if there is an existing injury on the fungus infected spot. A slight cut, can let the chlorine bleach in; thus resulting in a nerve or vein constriction.
- Applying concentrated bleach solution is not recommended at all. If you think that concentrated bleach will lead to fast treatment then you need to review the facts once more.
- Bleach is extremely harmful for lungs. So, while you make a solution to kill toenail fungus with bleach, ensure that your mouth is covered, wear a mask and do not breath while pouring bleach.
- The adjacent nails may get rough and start itching after continuous use of bleach as a treatment for toenail fungus. So, make sure to cover them with some cloth, do not wrap them in a plastic ever.
- Diluted bleach can help in treating toenail fungus to a greater extent but not always, and it is not for everyone.
Case study: Treating toenail fungus with bleach & Urgent fungus destroyer
To support the evidence and our justification that bleach can treat toenail fungus, but not always, we are sharing a case study.
Jeff: 8 months ago, my grandmother felt a pain in her toenails, on examining we found that it was infected with toenail fungus.
We tried bleach for almost 6 weeks, twice a day. As she is an elderly person, so the diluted solution of bleach with water was thought to be a better solution.
Below is the picture of the second week.
Until 5 weeks, there were no noticeable difference, however the nail grew yellower overtime. So, we decided to take her to physician. There he prescribed the probiotic urgent fungus destroyer.
After the continuous use of Urgent fungus destroyer, for almost 70 days the toenail gradually came back to the normal state, and she got rid of the toenail fungus.
We have found that it is better to use some internal treatment as well. Getting fungal infections is a sign that the immune system is not working properly and is unable to find the attack of microbes.
There is no point in treating toenail fungus with home-remedies or topical solutions without the internal medications.
Comparison between Bleach & Urgent fungus destroyer
Below we have compared the Phytage lab’s Urgent fungus destroyer and Bleach from the toenail fungus treatment point of view to make you understand why you should also opt for Fungus destroyer even if you are using bleach or not.
| Bleach | Urgent Fungus Destroyer |
|---|---|
| Only for external use | It is an internal treatment, works through blood. |
| Takes more than 6 months | Takes approx 65-70 days. |
| It does not affect any internal process. | Works on the immunity |
| Takes a lot of time, as the users need to apply it twice a day. | Time saving and affordable |
| Has no side effects. | There could be many side effects. |
Also, we have done a detailed comparison between the Bleach, Urgent fungus destroyer and Apple cider vinegar for the treatment of toenail fungus that you can check here.
Best Bleach for Toenail Fungus – Reviews
To assist you find the most suitable bleach, we have put forward some organic reviews about the bleaches available online that can also be used to treat toenail fungus.
1. Clorox bleach for toenail fungus
As the treatment for toenail fungus with bleach will last for more than 6 months, you will need a lot of it. The Clorox bleach comes in a 1-gallon bottle that can last for 8 months.
It is a one time investment, and as it is a multi-purpose bleach you can have it for different house hold activities as well. Even if somebody is buying it only to treat the toenail fungus, it is more than enough, it will last longer than a year.
Among all these things, the best feature about this bleach is its odor. You do not need to worry about the smell, or to add tea tree oil to balance the smell.
Consumers’ reviews
Below are some of the reviews from the consumers about the quality.
Miss/Mrs. Mary loved it for the effectiveness.
Another review to support this bleach.
Just a Mom is also happy for this.
2. Gonzo Multipurpose disinfectant bleach
If someone wants a fresh odor even after using the bleach this one is for them. Unlike the regular bleach it has a fruity and fresh smell of lavender.
It is an antibacterial disinfectant, that can be diluted to use for toenail fungus.
The anti-bacterial properties will keep the damaged nail safe, clean, while making the bleaching compounds effective to treat toenail fungus.
Consumers’ reviews
Below are some of the reviews from the consumers about the quality.
Someone named “ja9bev” says that they loved it for the smell.
Mr. Larry also loved the scent.
3. Clorox bleach pen for toenail fungus
It is an easy to use bleach pen following the zero-splash technology is an ideal bleach for severe toenail fungus, especially when it is completely damaged and you cannot feel anything now.
A skin spot where the fungus is at its extreme, can only be treated with a slightly concentrated bleach, otherwise, you must go for a diluted bleach.
This pen is all ready to treat that without any unnecessary hassle. For the busy bees, it can be the best alternative of soaking tehri feet for 60 minutes daily.
You can use it directly on the toenail fungus but you need to be accurate and should not let the bleach spread over a healthy skin around the nail.
We recommend you to use it only once daily uncles you have a very severe fungus on your nails.
Also, we recommend you that before going directly for this bleach for your nail fungus, try to use bleach solution and if that doesn’t show much results or if you are totally fine with that then you can go for it, but yes, one can go for it to treat one’s toenail fungus.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Dual tip bleach pen.
- Perfect for strong fungal infection.
- Affordable and fast.
Cons
- May cause irritation on thin sensitive skin.
Consumers’ reviews
The following reviews and answers can help you better understand the use of this bleach pen for toenail fungus.
John said that it has worked very effectively on his toenail fungus.
Another user said that he was having the toenail fungus for 10 years and then he used this Clorox bleach pen for nail fungus treatment and it worked perfectly for him
Top alternatives of Bleach for nail fungus
Bleach can be used as a home-remedy to treat toenails fungus, but there are several other solutions as well which are even better than the bleach. In this section, I have mentioned those effective ways to treat toenail fungus.
1. Urgent Fungus Destroyer (Great probiotics source)
Probiotics like the Urgent fungus destroyer are one of the most effective treatment as it directly effects the immune system.
The urgent fungus destroyer contains a lot of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds to make the removal faster.
Unlike the laser treatment the urgent fungus destroyer will take almost 60 to 80 days for treating toenail fungus. The price for the urgent fungus destroyer is affordable, and it will not be a toll on the pocket of a mediocre.
Read our detailed review about the Phytage Urgent Fungus Destroyer.
2. Laser treatment
Treating toenail fungus with laser is the fastest and effective treatment. Only a few sessions and the toenail fungus are completely gone.
There are two types of laser treatment for toenail fungus, the hot and cold laser.
If you are an old man or a pregnant woman, it is better to opt for the cold laser to kill toenail fungus.
Both the hot and cold laser treatment to kill toenail fungus are quite expensive. The cost for the treatment is nearly 1000 dollars.
Read our detailed guide on Laser for toenail fungus.
3. Topical creams
If you are not satisfied with the internal treatments, or your toenail fungus is at the initial stages so you may try topical creams.
These creams are also affordable and will take some time to affect the toenail fungus.
4. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is also like a bleaching agent and can be used with tea tree oil to kill toenail fungus.
It will take more than 5 months to treat toenail fungus with Hydrogen peroxide.
5. Apple cider vinegar or Coconut oil
Vinegar treats toenail fungus by creating an acidic solution. Fungus cannot survive in the acidic environment and will eventually die.
You can use Apple cider vinegar in many ways to cure toenail fungus.
Similarly, Coconut oil is also a good home ready solution for fungal nail.
Check our detailed guide on how to use coconut oil to treat toenail fungus.
These two are easy home remedy to treat toenail fungus if you don’t have bleach in your house. But remember these things will take a lot longer to fix the toenail fungus like the bleach.
So, these were the 5 alternates of bleach in treating the toenail fungus, however, we have compiled a complete guide on the best treatments to cure the toenail fungus fast and at low cost which you can check here.
FAQs
Here, I will try to answer all the frequently asked questions regarding the use of bleach to kill toenail fungus.
Will bleach discolor the toenail?
If the toenail fungus has grown too much, then it is better to rush to the physician than to treat it with home remedies.
You should try the bleach mixture remedy when the toenail fungus is at its initial stages. Mild toenail fungus can be easily treated through home remedies.
How long does it take bleach to kill toenail fungus?
It totally depends upon the current situation of your toenail fungus, like how much fungus is there, what’s the condition, how is your immune system, how old you are etc.
But on an average, for a low to moderate effected fungal toenail, it would take at least 5-6 months with bleach. However, the time and results could vary depending upon the factors like I said above.
Also, the results would be faster if you are using any other medicine like Fungus destroyer.
When should we apply bleach to kill toenail fungus?
Are you afraid that just like the white dresses? The bleach will also discolor the toenail. Then your fear is justified, initially, the bleach will make your nail whiter not pink. It may disturb you, but it is a very common side effect.
How often should I use the bleach solution to treat toenail fungus?
Twice a day if you have a thick and normal skin. For sensitive skin, it is better to sue this mixture once a day.
Are there any side effects of using bleach to kill toenail fungus?
Yes, excessive use of bleach on skin can lead to skin damage. It will result in itchiness, red spots, and even a burning sensation.
How to use bleach to kill toenail fungus?
Before using bleach to treat the toenail fungus, always wear gloves, and spectacles.
Do not risk your eyes, and skin to treat the toenail fungus. Moreover, while pouring the bleach hold your breath. Tiny droplets of bleach while handling can lead to severe respiratory damage.
Is bleach an effective remedy to kill the toenail fungus?
Bleach can treat toenail fungus but not always. The results depend on the stage of the toenail fungus, and the health condition of the user. Bleach can be sued as a last resort to treat toenail fungus.
How can we use bleach in an effective way to treat toenail fungus?
Along with the bleach solution as a topical treatment for toenail fungus, intake of a strong probiotic is also essential. Alone bleach may not give fast and effective results.
More questions left in mind? Then check our FAQs page.
Conclusion
After going through the case study and the side effects of using bleach as a fungus destroyer, the following things are obvious.
- Bleach is not the only effective treatment for toenail fungus.
- Bleach is the slowest home remedy for killing toenail fungus.
- It is best to use bleach with some probiotics source like the Urgent fungus destroyer and also improving your diet for max & best results.
- Bleach can be harmful for the skin, so, users need to be very careful while applying and handling it.
Bleach is an alkaline solution, but the pH level of bleach is higher than the toenail fungus, so, chances are that it may destroy it. But in most cases, people confronted reverse reactions.