Domestos Original Thick Bleach

After years of trying various household cleaners, Domestos Original Thick Bleach continues to prove itself as one of the most reliable, no-nonsense disinfectants on the UK market. With a potent formula, impressive versatility, and a long-standing reputation for dependability, it does more than just freshen toilets—it’s a serious cleaning agent that’s remained a staple in my home for over a decade. Domestos performs exactly how a bleach should. It’s thick, clings well to vertical surfaces like toilet bowls and tiled walls, and gives the user enough visual reassurance that the area is being treated. Compared to thinner, more watery bleach products such as supermarket own-brand alternatives (e.g. Tesco or ASDA Value bleach), Domestos maintains contact with the surface longer, which makes it more effective in breaking down grime, mould, and bacteria. It isn’t flashy or perfumed—it’s practical and potent. One of its standout strengths is disinfection. On bathroom surfaces, from sinks and toilet rims to shower grouting, it removes stains and kills bacteria with ease. In comparison to products like Harpic White & Shine or Astonish Toilet Bleach, Domestos doesn’t foam up or add unnecessary gimmicks. It focuses on what matters: eradicating pathogens and cutting through biofilm. The claim of eliminating 99.99% of bacteria and viruses isn’t just marketing speak—it’s demonstrated through real use. For instance, I’ve used it post-illness to sanitise high-contact surfaces, and it’s consistently eliminated smells and left a reassuringly clean finish. When diluted, it works well for floor mopping in kitchens and entryways, where muddy boots or cooking splashes leave lingering residue. While not scented like some Dettol solutions or Fabulosa’s perfumed disinfectants, its natural sterile scent is, in my experience, more confidence-inspiring than fragrances trying to mask bacteria rather than remove them. It doesn’t leave sticky residues either, unlike some “multi-surface” disinfectants that leave floors slick or artificially glossy. Domestos also excels in outdoor cleaning tasks. I’ve used it successfully on patios where moss or algae grow in shaded corners. Mixed and poured into the gaps, it bleaches out the green without needing constant scrubbing. Unlike Cillit Bang’s patio-specific sprays, which tend to foam up and require heavy rinsing, Domestos rinses clean and doesn’t leave residue that might affect pets or attract insects. However, with power comes responsibility. Domestos is hazardous, and it’s not something to use casually or without attention. It causes severe burns if handled improperly, and must be kept away from metal fixtures and other chemicals like acids or ammonia-containing products. Mixing it unknowingly with limescale removers or acidic sprays (such as Viakal or Cif) can release dangerous fumes. In terms of safety, bleach always demands caution—and Domestos, being one of the most concentrated, is no exception. Gloves and ventilation aren’t optional; they’re required. Environmental concerns are a fair criticism. Domestos contains ingredients toxic to aquatic life, and its long-lasting chemical activity means it shouldn't be rinsed directly into storm drains or used excessively on permeable outdoor surfaces. Compared to eco-friendly alternatives like Ecover or Method, Domestos is heavier on the environment—but also significantly more powerful. For some situations, nothing else quite compares, especially in disinfection after illness, waste cleaning, or household mould control. While Domestos is marketed mainly for toilet use, I’ve applied it in around twenty different situations—many of them outside its usual scope. I’ve used it to clean out rubbish bins that had built-up sludge and maggots, disinfect pet accident zones (after thoroughly rinsing), clear minor drain clogs when poured and left overnight, remove tea stains from ceramic mugs with dilution, and to clean grout brushes, cloths, and even toothbrush holders that collect black mildew. I’ve poured it into the washing machine drawer once monthly to prevent black mould buildup, used it to brighten up a dingy shower curtain liner, and even applied it carefully on white trainers to remove grass stains. In all cases, careful dilution and rinsing are key—but the results were far better than any surface cleaner or generic bleach ever gave. Comparing it to competitors, Domestos’s main strength lies in its formula thickness and longevity on surfaces. Harpic has more targeted gels, but they tend to run off too quickly. Tesco and Morrisons’ own brands are cheaper, but thinner and less effective on vertical surfaces. Astonish is affordable and vegan-certified, but far weaker in terms of active cleaning and often requires scrubbing to match Domestos’s results. Ecover is gentle and earth-conscious, but doesn’t offer the same heavy-duty effect for deeply ingrained bacteria or odours. Method and Fabulosa are strong on scent, weak on kill rate. Dettol bleach alternatives are good for skin-friendly disinfecting, but their thinner consistency makes them less effective on stubborn grime. Domestos’s edge isn’t in pleasantness—it’s in power, performance, and consistency. It’s not a product you use lightly, but one you keep under the sink for the jobs where other cleaners fall short. It has a distinct chemical sharpness and uncompromising identity, which has kept it in homes, hospitals, and institutions for decades. The thick formulation, minimal fragrance, and maximum potency make it one of the few cleaners that, when you use it, you know it’s working. In a world full of surface sprays and scented “sanitisers”, Domestos remains one of the few that lives up to the old-school standard of truly clean. Yes, it demands respect and responsible handling. Yes, it has a harsher environmental profile. But in exchange, it gives you unparalleled performance in the moments when cleanliness isn’t optional, and when you need to know—with certainty—that the surface you’ve treated is no longer a hazard. It’s for that reliability that I keep buying, keep using, and keep trusting it.

A lot of people look at Domestos in the blue bottle and think, “It’s just bleach, right?” — but if you care about hygiene, especially in shared bathrooms or kitchens, there are some solid reasons why this is the go-to. 1. Thicker Means Better Cleaning The first thing you’ll notice is the consistency. This isn’t like cheap bleach that pours out like water. Domestos is thick, and that’s a big deal. Why? Because bleach needs contact time to kill bacteria, viruses, mould, and fungus. Thin bleach just runs off surfaces and goes down the drain before it’s had time to do anything useful. Domestos clings to surfaces — especially in toilets, under rims, around drains — giving it time to actually disinfect properly. 2. Higher Strength Than Most The active ingredient in household bleach is sodium hypochlorite. Most supermarket own-brands sit at 1–2% concentration. Domestos in the blue bottle? Usually around 4.5–5%, which is much stronger. That higher concentration means: • It kills germs faster • It lasts longer in the bottle (less breakdown over time) • It’s more effective on tough stains and smells Basically, you’re getting more cleaning power per ml. 3. Proven to Kill Bacteria & Viruses Domestos isn’t just “cleaning” — it’s disinfecting. It’s proven to kill E. coli, salmonella, MRSA, flu viruses, and more when used correctly. That’s why it’s used in schools, care homes, and professional settings as well as at home. If you’re in a shared house, looking after a family, or just don’t want to gamble on hygiene, this stuff gives you confidence. 4. Long-Term Prevention Used regularly, Domestos doesn’t just clean — it prevents build-up of biofilm, mould, and limescale. That means: • Less scrubbing later • Slower re-growth of black mould in bathrooms • Cleaner-looking surfaces over time It’s not just a fire-fighter — it’s a long-term solution. 5. That Bottle Isn’t Just for Looks The iconic blue bottle is easy to recognise and well designed. The angled neck makes it easy to apply under toilet rims and in tight corners, and the cap is child-proof — important when storing chemicals around kids or pets. The liquid itself is white, not blue — so it won’t stain anything — but it smells clean, strong, and fades after rinsing. ⸻ Final Thought: You can buy cheaper bleach, but you’ll likely use more of it, get worse results, and end up cleaning more often. With Domestos Blue Bottle, you’re getting more active ingredient, thicker consistency, better cling, and proven disinfecting in one product. It’s the only bleach I buy, and once you see the difference, you’ll understand why it’s not “just bleach.” It’s proper cleaning — especially when it matters.

Bought it for less than a pound at the time of this review, cheaper than any store! Works brilliantly for my cleaning needs.

its just bleach what else can you say

Helps sustain a high level of cleanliness, eradicates marks and provides protection against germs. A very effective bleach. Highly recommended.

Works brill.

Domestos isn't just bleach—it's a superhero in a bottle, donning a sparkling white cape. Is your bathroom resembling a science experiment? Fear not! This scented powerhouse swoops in, obliterating 99.99% of bacteria and leaving behind a citrusy battlefield of cleanliness. When I accidentally spilled some on a stubborn coffee stain, it vanished as if Houdini himself had been summoned. Domestos doesn't just clean—it intimidates dirt into packing its bags and leaving town. The thick formula sticks to surfaces, making it easy to tackle tough stains and keep everything disinfected. The citrus scent is a nice touch—it’s fresh and not overpowering like typical bleach smells. My bathroom and kitchen have never smelled better! The only thing I’d say is that the scent doesn’t last as long as I’d like, but it’s still much better than regular bleach. Also, since it’s pretty strong, I always make sure to wear gloves when using it. Pros: Works great on stains and disinfecting Lovely citrus scent Effective in both bathroom and kitchen Cons: Scent fades fairly quickly Needs gloves for safety Overall, it’s become a go-to cleaner in my home, and I’ll definitely buy it again! Pro tip: Handle this with respect, or you might discover its knack for creating bleach-spotted masterpieces on your favorite T-shirt.

Classic, safe brand and cheap