Inside: Looking for a Clorox bleach pen alternative? Check out how to make this easy homemade bleach pen for way less than you would pay in the store. This DIY bleach pen works great at removing stains and cleaning around the house!
Years ago in our first house, we ripped up the vinyl flooring and added some tile. I picked out a beige tile with white grout and it looked fantastic for the first couple of months. After a couple of months the baby food, dog drool, and foot traffic caused the white grout to become a dingy gray.
I was so sad. I tried a toothbrush and soap to clean the tile but nothing would bring it back to its fresh white.
I finally saw a Clorox bleach pen in the stores and on a whim decided to try it on the tile. It worked great! Every 6 months or so I would pick up 2 bleach pens and spend an afternoon cleaning the tile.
I had it all worked out until we bought the house we live in now.
Not only was my current house a foreclosure (think disgusting, stained grout) but it also had tile in so many rooms. I would have had to buy $30-$40 in bleach pens just to get it cleaned.
Luckily I came across a recipe on how to make your own homemade bleach pen. I whipped some up and I am amazed at how well it works.
Whether you use a bleach pen on your clothes or around the house the homemade bleach pen will save you money. It cost me less than $.25 to make versus $3 in the store. It only takes a few minutes to make too!
DIY Bleach Pen
To make a homemade bleach pen you will need a few things.
- bleach
- cornstarch
- water
- container to put the bleach pen in (I used this one on Amazon)
Start with 3/4 cup of water and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch in a small pan. Cook on low heat until the mixture starts to boil and is thick like gravy.
When it is thick enough remove it from heat and allow the mix to cool.
When the cornstarch mixture is completely cooled add 3 tablespoons of liquid bleach to the cornstarch and stir.
Then you can move the bleach gel to the container you would like to store it in.
I highly recommend these squeeze bottles. I use them for everything from my toilet cleaner to making pancakes. I just label each one of the different squeeze bottles for a different purpose.
You can also use an old ketchup or salad dressing bottle if you would like. Just make sure you clean it out well and relabel it.
Use the homemade bleach pen just like you would a normal store-bought bleach pen.
Just apply the bleach gel to the stain and leave it on for one minute.
Remove excess gel with a paper towel and immediately wash clothing. When I use it on my grout or caulk I let it sit for about 3 minutes.
Tired of laundry stains?
Get the free laundry stain removal printable!
Next time you need a bleach pen skip the $3 ones in the store and make your own homemade bleach pen for under $.25. It's so easy to do.
Homemade Bleach Pen
3/4 cup water
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons bleach
Start with 3/4 cup of water and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch in a small pan. Cook on low heat until the mixture starts to boil and is thick like a gravy.
When it is thick enough remove from heat and allow the mix to cool. When the cornstarch mixture is completely cooled add 3 tablespoons of liquid bleach to the cornstarch and stir.
Then you can move the bleach gel to the container you would like to store it in.
Unfortunately, Clorox quit making the bleach pens. I have tried the Tide pens and Oxy Clean pens with no luck. I have found it just works easier to make my own.
Sherry says
When you clean your grout do you have to scrub it or do you just let it sit 3 minutes and wipe it clean?
Julie says
I usually don't have to scrub much. Occasionally I do have a couple of spots that need a little scrubbing.