How to use bleach correctly
Among the hot topics in the past 10 days, home cleaning and disinfection methods have attracted much attention, especially the correct way to use bleach, which has become the focus of many people. Bleach is a powerful disinfectant, but if used incorrectly, it can cause harm to human health or the environment. This article will detail the correct use of bleach and provide structured data for easy reference.
1. Basic knowledge of bleach

The main component of bleach is sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), and its concentration is usually between 5% and 6%. It has strong oxidizing properties and can effectively kill bacteria, viruses and fungi, but it may also corrode metal, damage fabrics, and irritate skin and respiratory tract.
| Bleach type | Available chlorine concentration | Scope of application |
|---|---|---|
| household bleach | 5%-6% | Disinfection of floors, furniture, and clothing |
| industrial bleach | 10%-15% | Professional disinfection place |
2. The correct way to use bleach
1.dilution ratio: Bleach must be diluted before use. The dilution ratio is different for different uses.
| Purpose | Bleach to water ratio | Effective chlorine concentration (ppm) |
|---|---|---|
| General disinfection | 1:99 | 500-600ppm |
| High-concentration disinfection (such as vomitus treatment) | 1:49 | 1000-1200ppm |
| Clothing disinfection | 1:100 | 50-60ppm |
2.Usage steps:
- Wear gloves and a mask and avoid direct contact with bleach.
- Prepare dilutions in a well-ventilated area.
- Dilute with cold water, hot water will accelerate the decomposition of available chlorine.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes after use, then wipe or rinse with clean water.
3. Precautions
1.Avoid mixing: Bleach cannot be mixed with acidic cleaners (such as toilet cleaners), otherwise toxic chlorine gas will be produced.
2.Storage method: Bleach should be stored in a cool place, away from direct sunlight, and away from children and pets.
3.Usage time limit: Diluted bleach should be used within 24 hours, otherwise it will gradually lose effectiveness.
| Incorrect usage | may be harmful |
|---|---|
| direct contact with skin | burns, allergies |
| Inhaling high concentrations of chlorine gas | Respiratory tract irritation, dizziness |
| Use directly undiluted | Corroded object surface |
4. Alternatives to Bleach
If you are concerned about the irritation of bleach, consider the following alternatives:
| Substitute | Applicable scenarios |
|---|---|
| 75% alcohol | Surface disinfection of small items |
| Hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide) | Wound disinfection, clothing stain removal |
| UV lamp | Air and surface disinfection |
Summary
Bleach is a highly effective disinfectant, but it must be used correctly to avoid hazards. Its safety and effectiveness can be ensured through reasonable dilution ratios, correct operating procedures and strict precautions. I hope this article can help you use bleach better and protect your family’s health.
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