Will Garlic Powder & Liquid Bleach Kill Bacteria?

How Bleach Works

• Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that bleach kills germs because it attacks the proteins that the germs and bacteria feed on. The bleach forces the protein together into clumps and blocks the bacteria from forming mold. The bleach also keeps the germs from building up, because the germs live on the proteins. One of the components in bleach is hypochlorite, the ingredient that attacks the protein.

How Garlic Works

• Garlic kills germs and bacteria in the human body, according to Garlic Central. The website cites a report from Wright State University that found garlic acts as an antibiotic and is 1 percent as potent as the medically prescribed antibiotic penicillin. Raw garlic has an ingredient referred to as allicin, which helps block the spread of bacteria. Cooking or baking the garlic removes the allicin, blocking the antibiotic nature of the garlic.

Bleach Warning

• While bleach kills bacteria and germs in your home, the liquid is also potentially dangerous. Bleach poured down the drain exits the pipes and reaches trees, grass and other outdoor areas. Pouring bleach on any area creates a problem known as "burning," which slowly kills the grass and vegetation. You may notice that your vegetation turns slightly brown around the edges. The only way of fixing the burning is by flushing the area with fresh water and getting the bleach off those areas as soon as possible. Do not use bleach in flower or plant water, as it can lead to the same problem.

Garlic Warning

• Do not take garlic as an antibiotic without consulting a physician. While garlic does have antibacterial properties, it does not have the same effect as medically prescribed drugs. If you take any prescribed medication, consult your doctor before eating raw garlic or taking garlic tablets. The garlic can interact with certain drugs, making the medication less effective. Ingesting a small amount of garlic, such as the amount found in an entree, should not cause any problems with your medication.