Bleach Smell Stuck In Nose After Cleaning (8 Solutions)
Ever finish cleaning with bleach and feel like you can't escape that strong smell?
Don't worry, you're not the only one. Lots of people deal with that bleach smell that just won't leave your nose even after you've put everything away.
It can be pretty annoying and maybe even make you a bit worried, but once you understand why it happens and know how to deal with it, you'll be breathing easier in no time.
In this post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about that bleach smell stuck in nose after cleaning.
Why Do I Still Smell Bleach After Cleaning?
The bleach smell that sticks around in your nose after cleaning is because of how bleach’s chemicals interact with your sense of smell.
Bleach, which is mostly sodium hypochlorite, gives off some pretty strong fumes that can hang around in the air and in your nose. Our noses are super sensitive to chlorine - we can pick up on it at incredibly low levels, even as low as 0.002 parts per million.
A few things make this smell stick around:
Chlorine gas from bleach can irritate your nose
Tiny bleach particles can get trapped in your nose
If you're around bleach fumes for a while, it can also overwhelm your nose or make it less sensitive, so your brain keeps thinking it's smelling bleach even when it's gone.
Sometimes, the lingering bleach smell might be related to phantosmia.
But most of the time, it’s just the powerful chemicals in bleach temporarily overwhelming your sense of smell.
How To Get Bleach Smell Out Of Your Nose
If you're dealing with that stubborn bleach smell in your nose, don't stress. There are plenty of ways to get rid of it. Here are eight things you can try:
#1 Get Fresh Air
One of the easiest and best ways to deal with that bleach smell is to get some fresh air.
Go outside or open up your windows and doors to let the air flow.
This helps get rid of the bleach fumes and gives your nose a chance to clear out.
Try not to stay in closed-up spaces where the bleach smell can build up - that'll just keep you exposed to it longer and might make your nose more irritated.
Also Read: Can you mix Clorox and Lysol?
#2 Rinse Your Nose (Nasal Irrigation)
Rinsing out your nose is a great way to clear out your nasal passages and get rid of any bleach particles that might be stuck in there.
You can use a saline nasal spray or a neti pot to gently wash out your nose.
This not only helps wash away any bleach that's left but also moistens your nasal passages, which might have gotten dried out from the bleach fumes.
Just make sure you use clean water and follow the instructions carefully to do it safely.
#3 Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is also a good way to help with the irritation caused by bleach fumes.
Staying hydrated helps keep your nasal passages moist, which can counteract the drying effect of bleach exposure. It also helps flush out your system, potentially helping to clear out any lingering chemical particles faster.
Make a point to drink more water than usual after you've been cleaning with bleach.
#4 Use A Steam Inhalation
You can get rid of that bleach smell stuck in nose after cleaning with steam inhalation too.
Boil some water and carefully pour it into a bowl. Put a towel over your head and lean over the bowl, breathing in the steam for a few minutes.
If you want, you can add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint to the water.
The warm, moist air helps open up your nasal passages and can provide some relief from the irritation caused by bleach fumes.
Also Read: Can you put cleaner in a steam mop?
#5 Smell Coffee Beans Or Ground Coffee
Coffee is known for its ability to neutralize odors, and this can be a really great way to dealing with the persistent bleach smell that’s stuck on your nose.
Try smelling some coffee beans or put a small dish of ground coffee near you.
The strong smell of coffee can help overpower the bleach and give your nose something nicer to focus on.
This trick is often used in perfume shops to clear your nose between smelling different scents, and it can work just as well in your home.
#6 Use Baking Soda
Baking soda's awesome at soaking up odors and can help with the bleach smell in the air, and in your nose.
Leave an open box of baking soda in the room where you used bleach or where you are right now, and it’ll absorb the leftover smell.
If you want something faster, you can sniff a little bit of baking soda directly—but be careful not to inhale it!
#7 Try Some Essential Oils
Essential oils can be a nice and effective way to mask the bleach smell stuck in your nose and give some relief to your irritated nasal passages.
Put a small amount of essential oil, like peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus, under your nose.
These strong, natural scents can help override the bleach odor and might have some extra benefits like clearing your sinuses or helping you relax.
Just remember to dilute essential oils properly and use them carefully, as some people might be sensitive to them.
Also Read: Clorox 2 Vs OxiClean
#8 Be Patient
Sometimes, the best solution is just to wait it out.
If you've tried other methods and you're still smelling bleach, remember that it might take a while for your sense of smell to fully recover from the intense exposure.
Try to avoid using bleach or other strong-smelling chemicals during this time to give your nose a chance to reset.
Most of the time, the lingering smell will go away on its own within a few hours to a day.
Bottom Line
The bleach smell stuck in nose after cleaning is usually just a temporary issue that you can solve with these simple solutions.
But, if you experience symptoms that last a long time, like a persistent smell of bleach, severe irritation, or trouble breathing, it's a good idea to see a doctor.
Breathing in bleach fumes can sometimes cause respiratory irritation or more serious issues, especially if you're exposed to it for a long time.
Always use bleach in areas with good airflow, follow the instructions for diluting it properly.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take For The Bleach Smell To Go Away?
The bleach smell can last anywhere from a few hours to a day, depending on how much bleach was used and how well the room is ventilated.
Is It Safe To Sleep In A Room That Smells Of Bleach?
No, it’s not safe. Sleeping in a room that smells like bleach can cause irritation to your eyes, nose, and lungs. Make sure the room is fully aired out before you sleep there.