Abstract: Described is an aqueous bleaching composition comprising (a) hypochlorite-yielding bleaching agent, e.g., sodium hypochlorite, (b) alkaline reagent, e.g., sodium hydroxide, and (c) alkyl poly (ethyleneoxy) sulfonate corresponding to the general formula, RO(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.n-1 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 SO.sub.3 M, wherein R is an alkyl group having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, n is a number from about 3 to about 20, and M is alkali metal. Optionally, additional miscellaneous materials such as abrasives, builder compounds, etc. may be present to provide a disinfecting cleansing composition.