Bleach

Guide Note:

Bleach is a common household cleaner used to remove stains from white cloth or disinfect surfaces. It should be used carefully because it is toxic and can produce harmful fumes. Colored clothing or or other colored cloth surfaces should not come in contact with bleach as it may remove the much of the color and permanently mark these materials.

Bleach is a sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 5.25% solution, mixed with water. When combined with ammonia, chlorine gas is produced which can be harmful or even deadly if inhaled.

Stains are made up of color producing chemical compounds called chromophores. When bleach is added to water hydrochloric acid is produce. This acid shifts the oxygen balance in the water and the excess oxygen reacts with the chromophores altering its color producing ability.

Fast Facts:

1. Active ingredient: sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)
2. Caution: Unsafe to touch with skin
3. Caution: Unsafe to inhale
4. Caution: Unsafe to mix with ammonia, urine or hydrogen peroxide
5. Caution: Unsafe to use against mold
6. Tiny amount can be used to sterilize water in emergencies