Bleach: Alternatives?

[mdpdb]

A recent sewage accident in my apartment has highlighted the fact that I'll never totally be rid of needing some household bleach around, but there's one application of it that I'm looking to replace.

The kitchen countertops in this apartment has the stain repellant qualities of... suede. In fact, I think the last two apartments I've lived in have had similar problems. Nothing I use does anything to remove the marks left behind by seemingly innocuous spills. Save for bleach. Our current attitude toward these stains has evolved to a sort of laissez-faire "let the stains all hang out" low, but they are sort of unsightly when we have guests.

Anybody have any suggestions for stain-removal cleansers that won't make me feel all funny for the rest of the day? Ordinary store-bought "green" cleansers, and even less environmentally-friendly stuff like 409, don't do the trick.

[sniffmeister]

I hear you, we live in an apartment from 1941 with the original tile counters in the kitchen - I am always trying to lighten 60 year old stains!

Try placing a towel soaked with vinegar on the stain for awhile. Lemon juice also has natural bleaching agents in it.

[meganomics]

Anybody have any suggestions for stain-removal cleansers that won't make me feel all funny for the rest of the day? Ordinary store-bought "green" cleansers, and even less environmentally-friendly stuff like 409, don't do the trick.

Have you tried scouring powders, like Bon Ami? I've always had success with that product.

Or you could try a non-chlorine bleach, like Seventh Generation's. My mother recommends that for stain removal.

[Ben]

mix up baking soda and water to a thick paste apply and leave to dry over night.

That removes stains from my counter.
Just be careful to check it doesn't mark by checking somewhere that can be hidden