ABC about household bleach
What is bleach?
Bleach is a strong and effective disinfectant. Its active ingredient, sodium hypochlorite, denatures protein in micro-organisms and is therefore effective in killing bacteria, fungus and viruses. Household bleach works quickly and is widely available at a low cost. Diluted household bleach is thus recommended for the disinfection of facilities.
As bleach irritates mucous membranes, the skin and the airway, decomposes under heat or light and reacts readily with other chemicals, caution should be exercised in the use of it. Improper use of bleach may reduce its effectiveness in disinfection and also lead to accidents which can be harmful to health. Overuse of bleach or using a bleach solution that is too concentrated results in the production of toxic substances that pollute the environment and disturb ecological balance
We all use bleach in our daily life. But Lot of people are uncertain as to when to use bleach and what it will do to clothes. But the truth is, adding Bleach to your laundry isn't as scary as you might think. In fact, there's no reason for it to scare you at all. Below you'll find the truth/myths behind some popular bleach myths.
Myths abound when it comes to bleach. But with simple understanding comes more effective use of a great versatile product. We've addressed some of the common myths below.
Myth: Laundry detergent does not disinfect and does not clean as thoroughly as when used with disinfecting bleach..
TRUTH: Laundry detergent does not clean as thoroughly as when used with disinfecting bleach. During a wash, Bleach reacts and breaks the chemical bonds that allow soils and stains to attach to fabrics. It works by oxidizing and breaking down stains into smaller pieces. These smaller materials are easier for laundry detergents to remove. They lift and float away from the surface and are kept suspended in the wash water, thus preventing soil from re-depositing onto the garment. Thus, liquid bleach removes dirt and stains that laundry detergent alone may leave behind.
MYTH: Bleach wears down fabric and shortens its lifespan.
TRUTH: When used as directed, liquid bleach does not affect the life of fabric. Tests show that even after 50 wash cycles, fabric washed in laundry detergent with Bleach, is just as resilient as fabric washed in laundry detergent alone.
Myth: If a label says a garment cannot be bleached, do not bleach it.
fabric washed in laundry detergent alone.
MYTH: Laundry detergents with bleach are the same as Bleach.
TRUTH: Laundry detergents with bleach aren't even close. In fact, liquid laundry detergents with bleach alternative don't even contain any bleach. Powdered detergents with bleach contain a much less effective bleach than Bleach (sodium hypochlorite), and they deliver less than 10% as much active bleach in the wash.
MYTH: Chlorine and liquid bleach are one and the same.
FACT: Actually they aren't. The term "chlorine bleach" is a misnomer. What's in the bottle is sodium hypochlorite, the active ingredient in liquid bleach. Although chlorine is used to manufacture sodium hypochlorite, there is no free chlorine in bleach.
Fact:
Almost all cotton whites and most synthetic whites are safe to treat with liquid bleach. If a label on your whites instructs not to use bleach, test it out on a hidden area (a bleachability test can be found on drlaundryblog.com). If there is no visible effect, it can be bleached. This is also true for many printed and coloured fabrics.
Myth:
Bleach seems too intense for use around the house.
Fact:
Bleach-based cleaners that are registered with Health Canada can be used to clean and disinfect hard, nonporous surfaces around the house such as porcelain, tile, counters, sinks, refrigerators, appliances, fibreglass and tubs.
Myth:
Bleach is a harsh chemical that can cause harm to my septic system.
Fact:
Ultra Javex® Bleach by Clorox is safe to use in homes on septic systems. Since bleach breaks down very rapidly, especially when it comes into contact with organic matter, it won't harm your septic system.
Myth:
Using bleach cleaner in my coloured toilet might cause discolouration of my toilet bowl.
Fact:
The recommended use of Disinfecting Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Bleach1 will not harm coloured toilets. By using it, you can kill 99.9% of germs and remove tough stains for a cleaner, toilet bowl*.
Use as directed.
Myth:
Bleach-based cleaners in the toilet may be harmful to my pets if they happen to drink from the bowl.
Fact:
It should not be a problem if your pet ingests small amounts of water from a toilet bowl cleaned with a bleach product. However, pets should not rely on drinking from the toilet bowl as a main source of water.
If a pet ingests undiluted product or large amounts of toilet bowl water containing product, it is recommended that you contact your veterinarian.
Best laundry Usage Tips:
Need to eliminate dinginess and improve cleaning results in your laundry?
You can improve results in your laundry by
•sorting properly
•pre-treating or pre-soaking spots, stains, and heavily soiled garments
•using enough detergent
•adding liquid bleach to your load
•using the warmest water temperature recommended for the fabric
•loading your washer loosely
