Jeyes vs. Bleach vs. GK Greener Kleener - Which is the Best for Outdoor Cleaning?

Cleaning outdoor spaces means that you have to tackle stubborn biological growth such as algae, lichen, mould and moss that are responsible for the green discolouration to patios, driveways, greenhouses, flowerpots and paths etc. While you need a product that can accommodate these needs, it is also important to think about the effects a product can have on you and the environment.

To make it easier for you to decide which product is the best for the job, we will be comparing the popular household name Jeyes with bleach and our product, GK Greener Kleener. There are five main areas that we will focus on;

• Application
• Effectiveness
• Price
• Pet and Environmental Friendliness
• Safety

Product Application

Jeyes Fluid Outdoor Cleaner & Disinfectant

Jeyes Fluid is a multi-use outdoor cleaner that is perfect for cleaning paths, patios, driveways, greenhouses, flowerpots, gardening tools and drains, as well as animal housing such as hutches, kennels and coops. Jeyes formula may stain, soften plastics or discolour brick and paintwork.

You will need to dilute Jeyes Fluid with a ratio of 1:19 Jeyes to water. The sit time before rinsing will vary depending on the surface but is usually 30 mins. You can apply this with a brush or sprayer.

Bleach

Bleach can be used to clean outdoor paths, patios, driveways, greenhouses, flowerpots and drains. You will have to be careful as bleach can discolour or fade surfaces such as bricks and stones over time. Bleach can also damage paintwork and wood, and is corrosive to metal fasteners and screws.

You will need to dilute bleach with a ratio of 1:5 bleach to water. The sit time before rinsing will vary depending on the surface but is usually 30 mins. You can apply this with a brush or sprayer.

GK Greener Kleener

GK Greener Kleener can be used on any hard substrate such as tarmac, bricks, concrete, wood and paving, as well as roof tiles, render, solar panels, Astroturf, artificial grass, poly tunnels, caravans, conservatories and canvas tents. It is appropriate to use on fibreglass, limestone, sandstone and marble, and will work on outdoor furniture, outdoor pots, pool surrounds, slate, non-grass tennis courts and yacht sails. GK Greener Kleener will clean painted surfaces without causing any damage to the paint.

You will need to dilute the GK Greener Kleener with a ratio of 1:2 product to water for heavy soiling, and 1:3 for light to medium soiling. The sit time before rinsing will vary depending on the surface but is usually 30 mins. You can apply this with a brush or sprayer.

Product Effectiveness

Jeyes Fluid Outdoor Cleaner & Disinfectant

Jeyes Fluid Outdoor Cleaner & Disinfectant is an effective product that kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, and will remove mould, lichen and algae. You cannot remove moss with this product. Jeyes promises results within 1 - 3 days post application. The long lasting formula will continue to clean for several weeks, and should be reapplied every 9 - 12 months as required.

Bleach

Bleach is an effective cleaner and disinfectant that kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, and will remove mould, lichen, algae and moss. Bleach promises results in as little as half an hour post-application. The long lasting product should be applied every 12 months as required.

GK Greener Kleener

GK Greener Kleener is an effective cleaner and disinfectant that kills 99.9% of bacterial growth and will remove mould, lichen, algae and fungus. This product is not intended as a moss treatment. GK promises results within 2 days post-application. The long lasting formula should be reapplied every 9 - 12 months as required.

Price Comparison

Jeyes Fluid Outdoor Cleaner & Disinfectant

Jeyes Fluid Outdoor Cleaner & Disinfectant 5ltr is available at Screwfix and B&Q for £35, and other sellers for >£40.

Bleach

Bleach 5ltr is available from most supermarkets and large online retailers for as little as £4.

GK Greener Kleener

GK Greener Kleener 5ltr is available from the GK online store for £23.99.

Pet and Environmental Friendliness

Jeyes Fluid Outdoor Cleaner & Disinfectant

Jeyes Fluid Outdoor Cleaner & Disinfectant must be used away from pets, especially cats and fish. When used to the recommended dilution, once the cleaned area has dried pets will be safe.

If the cleaner comes into contact with plants it is best to rinse them straight away to further dilute and avoid damage.

Bleach

Bleach is extremely harmful, or even fatal, if it is ingested. This means that pets and other animals who have no understanding of the dangers of bleach may ingest the bleach to very negative consequences.

The general ecosystem can be at risk if bleach is carried by rain into the water supply or onto plants and animals.

GK Greener Kleener

GK Greener Kleener has a PH of 6, meaning it is virtually neutral, so you do not have to worry about any long term effects on pets or animals. Simply keep them away from the cleaned area until it has dried.

Free from caustic acids and bleach, this product is environmentally friendly. Rinse plants should they come in direct contact with the formula.

Product Safety

Jeyes Fluid Outdoor Cleaner & Disinfectant

Jeyes Fluid Outdoor Cleaner & Disinfectant may cause irritation to skin and eyes. If contact occurs, rinse immediately with water. If ingested you should rinse your mouth with water and find a well ventilated area to breathe.

Wear protective goggles or glasses and gloves as a minimum precaution.

Bleach

Bleach is a hazardous chemical that can cause severe injury. Inhalation of fumes can cause damage to your lungs and nasal passages. Contact with skin and eyes can result in serious, painful burns. If contact happens, contact your local GP immediately and rinse thoroughly with water.

Bleach is highly reactive. Do not let bleach mix with ammonia, vinegar, dishwashing detergent, window cleaner and drain cleaner etc as they may react to create dangerous gases or otherwise become harmful.

Wear protective clothing, including a mask, gloves and protective goggles or glasses as a minimum requirement.

GK Greener Kleener

GK Greener Kleener may cause irritation to skin and eyes. If contact occurs, rinse immediately with water. If ingested you should rinse your mouth with water and find a well ventilated area to breathe.

Wear protective goggles or glasses and gloves as a minimum precaution.

Summary

As you can see, Jeyes Fluid, Bleach and GK Greener Kleener are all easy to use. Jeyes Fluid and GK Greener Kleener are more effective at cleaning outdoor spaces as they are compatible with more surfaces and substrates. Jeyes is the most expensive product, with Bleach being the cheapest, and GK Greener Kleener in the middle. Jeyes Fluid and GK Greener Kleener are both much safer than bleach for animals, the environment and the user.

GK Greener Kleener is the best option for removing mould, lichen, algae and fungus from your outdoor spaces. Easy to apply, effective, good value for money, as well as being safer for the environment and the user, our product is the ideal solution for your outdoor cleaning needs.