clean with bleach
Bleach is one of the household essentials when it comes to sanitizing. It is a product that, if used properly, not only provides positive effects in the maintenance of some fabrics and in the elimination of bad odors, but also in the reduction of potentially dangerous elements, such as bacteria, fungi and viruses.
By diluting sodium hypochlorite in water, what is bleach is obtained. A product that is generally found in a liquid presentation that is light in color between green and yellow; which, for years, has been the disinfectant and bleach used par excellence in many homes.
Benefits of bleach
By using a disinfectant with bleach you will be able to sanitize many surfaces, because when it comes into contact with stains, dirt and even bad odours, it breaks the chain of molecules that form the bacteria and mold that cause them. This product has the ability to release active oxygen, to eradicate and break down the proteins that keep microbes active.
In bathrooms, being a humid room, fungi tend to appear staining the surfaces. Bleach, acting as a disinfectant and bleach at the same time, is a good ally for cleaning these environments. Just by letting it act for a few minutes, the dirty areas can recover their original appearance; Even using bleach with detergent enhances its cleaning action.
Likewise, its whitening ability could be used to remove stains on clothes. But this will depend on the textile being compatible with this product, which must be reflected on its label.
On the other hand, it is still an effective cleaning product to eliminate dirt and bad smells from the kitchen. Which are generated by the remains of vegetables, fruits and other foods, as well as by moisture.
Likewise, this product has also been used as a food disinfectant. But, to clean vegetables and fruits, the use of bleach should not be extreme. In this case, the World Health Organization advises its dissolution in water, at a rate of 2 ml of bleach for each liter of it.
Common mistakes made
- Add a large amount of bleach
Certainly, it is logical to think that the more the product is applied, the better the results will be. However, you could expose yourself to danger, since the chances of poisoning, allergies or other health risks are imminent due to the chemical nature of bleach. Therefore, it is important that you use a correct proportion of bleach and water to disinfect any area you want. For such purposes, the WHO recommends mixing 130 ml of bleach with 870 ml of water.
- Not using personal protection implements
This product is highly irritating and corrosive, not in vain the pH of the bleach is 13, therefore, it is feasible that it produces dryness in the hands upon direct contact, in addition to being impregnated with its characteristic odor for a long time, despite to be clarified. To avoid this, the fundamental thing is to use gloves and wash them once the task is finished. Likewise, given its corrosive capacity, this product could stain colored clothing. Hence, the need to use an apron or avoid cleaning with the best garment.
- Leave the lye in water
It is important to keep in mind that bleach loses its effectiveness after a few hours; even more so if it is diluted in water before use, since it tends to evaporate, in addition to taking on a bad smell. Therefore, it is best to prepare the bleach once it is to be used.
- Opt for hot water
As in the previous case, when preparing the bleach with hot water, this product loses its properties and evaporates. Everything happens due to the effect of heat, so it is appropriate to use cold or tap water to make the mixture.
- shorten the time
Although the bleach evaporates over time, it is essential to apply it and let it act. Once a cloth is impregnated with the product and passed over the entire surface to be cleaned, wait at least one minute before removing it.
- Mix between products
Give up preparing a homemade disinfectant with bleach or other products. Try to only add water, since it should not be combined with alcohol, vinegar, ammonia or other chemical products. When making this mixture, there is the possibility of creating chlorine gas , which is nothing more than a toxic product and, therefore, dangerous to be inhaled.
- Use it in unventilated spaces
Be careful not to inhale the vapors that the product gives off on its own, as your nasal mucous membranes could be irritated. Hence, the importance of using this product in open spaces. If this is not possible, it is necessary to use a fan or open the windows.
- Cautiously soaking food
When using bleach to disinfect foods such as fruits and vegetables, you should check in advance, on its label, that it is suitable for disinfecting drinking water. You should also make sure to use it at a lower concentration than the one used to clean the rooms. Finally, avoid soaking vegetables and fruits in the product for a long time. They could last five minutes at most and should then be rinsed with plenty of water.
- use bleach everywhere
Before impregnating all the corners and equipment of your home with bleach, try to review the manufacturers’ recommendations. Since this product is highly corrosive, it can affect the appearance of items with chrome coatings, aluminum, stainless steel, and even some plastics.
- Disinfect without first cleaning
In order to achieve an effective cleaning, before cleaning with the bleach you will have to wipe the surface or the objects with a damp cloth or cloth to remove the dust.
Finally, it remains to be noted that thanks to the chemical industry we can find bleach in different presentations and concentrations according to our daily needs. Now, the good use that we give to it is up to us.
