Bleach, also called Sodium Hypochlorite, is a well-known and utilized chemical product used in both homes and industrial settings. It is renowned for its capability to remove and disinfect mildew and mold and eliminate various types of stains.
It’s a highly beneficial product if used properly. If you’re considering cleaning your home with bleach, here are a few essential things to know.
Types of Bleach
The first thing to be aware of regarding bleach is that not all bleach is created equal. There are two kinds of bleach: chlorine bleach and non-chlorine bleach. In addition, there are various concentrations of bleach.
The amount of Sodium Hypochlorite in the bleach can significantly impact the product’s effectiveness.
Chlorine Bleach
This is the product that most people imagine when they hear the word “bleach.” The chlorine molecule is the critical component in the production of chlorine bleach. Apart from chlorine, it includes water, some Sodium Hydroxide, and other elements to maintain the chlorine compound.
Bleach designed for home use can be purchased at grocery and retail stores. It’s typically labeled as containing between 4-8 percent Sodium Hypochlorite, as this is the only type of bleach suitable for home use.
Due to the length of time (weeks or months) from the time of production until use by the consumer, it is quite possible that the bleach purchased from grocery stores is not the same strength as what is advertised on the product’s label (see the next section for more information on bleach degradation).
Industrial Strength Bleach
This is the only type of bleach Tyfon offers. As it is intended for industrial applications, it is much more powerful.
The Sodium Hypochlorite is identified as 12.5 percent but is usually higher when purchased (approximately 13.5 percent Sodium Hypochlorite by weight or trade percentage of 15.5 percent).
Industrial-strength bleach can be used in various industrial applications, including water/wastewater treatment, disinfection, pressure washing, and more. Due to the stronger quality of the product, it is recommended that individuals who understand the chemical and its dangers use it only.
Non-Chlorine Bleach
This type is a mixture of other chemicals. It does not contain chlorine and is not produced by the chloralkali process. It may contain a combination of sodium percarbonate, sodium perborate, borax, or soda ash.
It can be formulated for specific applications like washing colorfast textiles or laundry. It is available in stores for home use and the textile industry.
How Bleach Works
Chlorine Bleach
This is one of the elements included in the Sodium Hypochlorite solution. The chlorine molecules (originally gas) are accompanied by water, tiny quantities of Caustic Soda left over from the manufacturing process, and various items to keep the chlorine molecule stable in the solution for longer.
The elemental chlorine molecule is the primary ingredient in chlorine bleach. It functions as an oxidizing agent. Oxidizing agents react with surfaces and break chemical bonds, killing germs and whitening pigments.
When light strikes an object, it is perceived because the fabric absorbs other colors while reflecting certain colors to the eye. Chlorine helps whiten and remove stains by removing electrons from the textile molecules and dye. By taking electrons from the molecules, they lose the ability to alter light.
Non-Chlorine Bleach
This does not act as an oxidizing chemical but as a reducing agent. It adds electrons back to specific molecules.
Does Bleach Degrade?
Chlorine bleach begins degrading as soon as it is produced. It is created at a higher temperature, making it a temporary solution. The chlorine chemical molecule is diatomic, meaning it is most stable when bonded with itself.
Exposure to light and heat creates the energy required for chlorine molecules to leave the solution and turn into gas, leading to bleach degradation. The higher the temperature, the faster the bleach degrades. To raise awareness about proper bleach storage, companies can use social media marketing to educate consumers and promote best practices.
A mere 10 degrees can significantly affect the maintenance of the effectiveness of bleach.
Tips for Using Bleach in Laundry
- Read the label: Go over the garment label before washing. Some fabrics cannot be cleaned with household bleach (sodium hypochlorite). A safe color (oxygen) bleach solution can eliminate odors and stains if household bleach is not recommended.
Ensure to review the label of the cleaning product. Certain detergents contain color-safe bleach or bleach alternatives. Be aware that these products may not eliminate odors.
- Test: Perform a test with a cotton swab dipped in the bleach solution mixed with water and dab it on the inside seam. If the fabric’s color does not change, proceeding is safe.
- Prepare the stained area: Lay the fabric’s stained area flat, ensuring no layers beneath could be affected. Start from the outside of the stain and wash with clean water once the stain is gone.
- Bleaching the entire load: Read the bleach label to determine how much to add to the entire washing load. Check the washing machine’s manual to see if bleach should be added to the drum, an individual dispenser drawer, or a specific section.
Chlorine bleach is an excellent option for disinfecting and cleaning the home’s laundry, kitchen, bathroom, and other surfaces. Cleaners and disinfectants are the only products that kill germs, but they are only effective if the guidelines on the label are followed.
Wear Protective Equipment When Cleaning With Bleach
Bleach is highly effective when used correctly; however, it can cause serious injury or harm if misused. Regardless of strength, appropriate precautions must be taken when handling it.
Proper personal protective equipment, such as eye protection and gloves, is essential for safety. Ensure proper ventilation and keep pets and children away from bleach during use.