WITH Easter just a few days around, chances are you’ll either be giving or receiving a bunch of flowers that’ll be displayed proudly in your home.
But with most flowers lasting around 7-10 days, it’s not long before they’re soon looking a little gloomy and find themselves in the bin.
However, in the past week, a viral bleach hack for preserving flowers has reached over 9.1 million views, with many viewers praising this common household product for making their flowers last up to 3 weeks longer than usual.
With a bottle of bleach costing £0.70 at Tesco, is this cheap and simple hack a sure way to keep your fresh blooms lasting that little bit longer?
Eflorist’s Flower Expert, David Denyer, explains: “Believe it or not, adding bleach to your vase of flowers is a great idea, and one that people may instantly shrug off as a myth.
“In order to help your flowers to last longer, simply add a ¼ teaspoon of bleach (per litre) to your vase.
“The bleach will prevent any harmful bacteria from developing, which can turn the water cloudy and a bit stinky – a clear sign of bacterial growth.
“By adding the bleach, it will ward off the growth of any bacteria, and keep the water looking clear and fresh, which in turn, keeps your flowers healthy.”
However, the expert goes on to warn only using a small amount of bleach, adding that a large dose can be very overpowering for the flowers, and ultimately kill them.
“While bleach can be effective in extending the lifespan of your flowers, it’s crucial to do this only in moderation,” he explains.
“The key here is finding the right balance to prevent bacterial growth without causing harm to the flowers – which is why ¼ teaspoon is a good starting point.”
The flower whizz also highlights the importance of changing the water every couple of days and trimming the stems of the flowers, as this will allow them to absorb water and nutrients effectively.
“This normal care routine alongside the addition of bleach can significantly prolong the life of your bouquet, allowing you to enjoy the flowers for longer,” he says.
“The bleach hack can absolutely be beneficial, but it doesn’t mean that normal care should be ignored.
“Providing your flowers with clean water, a suitable temperature, and adequate sunlight still remains vital for their health and growth and should never be forgotten.”
