Although in some countries it is known as Chlorine the correct name is bleach or bleach. And it is that Sodium Hypochlorite dissolved in water forms this solution that is probably the most used way in the world to disinfect and clean all kinds of things, from surfaces to clothes.
EYE: Do not forget that it is an extremely toxic product with which you have to be careful not to ingest it, therefore do not expose your food to chlorine.
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And although it seems that we know how to use it, the truth is that many people still do not know the correct way to use Chlorine so we are going to leave you this explanation that will help you a lot.
What you need to know before you start
First, some important notes for the safety and effectiveness of bleach cleaning.
We like to give you good tips so here we go with chlorine.
Of departure. Never mix chlorine with other household cleaners, including ammonia or vinegar. Doing so could generate chlorine gas, such as chloramine or chloroform, which can be fatal. It’s important to wear gloves when working with bleach solutions, as any bleach product can irritate the skin.
Also, it is important to store bleach cleaners safely, away from children and animals. And if you prepare a solution of bleach and water (for example, in a spray bottle), keep in mind that it will break down naturally over time due to time, light and temperature, so it should be replaced regularly, ideally every few days. It is recommended to make a smaller amount of bleach water solution at a time so it is not wasted.
Then, What surfaces can you clean with chlorine? If chlorine or bleach is diluted to the proper concentration, it can be used on many hard, non-porous surfaces, such as countertops, toilets, sinks, and trash cans; however, it is not recommended on most metals, such as stainless steel or copper, nor on porous surfaces such as wood and many types of stone.
Do you have a chlorine-proof surface ready to disinfect? Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to clean it.
- Dilute the solution: Dilute ½ cup of bleach per gallon of water for common kitchen surfaces or soaking items.
- Clean the surface: Keep in mind that while bleach will effectively disinfect a surface, it may not actually clean dirt and other debris. So, before applying chlorine, it is recommended to rub well with soap and water and then rinse. You can also clean the surface with an all-purpose cleaner.
- Disinfect the surface: Apply your bleach mixture to the surface with a clean rag or sponge, letting it sit for five minutes (always follow product label directions).
- Rinse and dry: Finally, rinse the surface well with lukewarm water and air dry.
Is it true to use Chlorine for COVID-19?
The Pan American Health Organization recommends that the population avoid consuming products that contain chlorine dioxide or related substances and that all marketing of such products for therapeutic purposes be reported to the authorities.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic this year, «numerous products containing chlorine dioxide or its derivatives, alone or in combination, falsely claiming to have curative properties for COVID-19 and even other ailments, have been promoted on the market.» associated”, says PAHO.
Chlorine dioxide, a gas used as a bleach in water treatment plants and paper mills, and sodium hypochlorite, a disinfectant marketed as household bleach, could be toxic if ingested and can cause a variety of adverse effects .