Bleach

Bleach

Available in 5L & 25L.

WHAT IS BLEACH?

There are two main types of bleach used: Sodium Hypochlorite and Hydrogen Peroxide. 

Sodium Hypochlorite -Known as the "Household Bleach", this Bleach is usually based on chlorine, and most of the bleach on the market also contains substances called surfactants. These enhance cleaning performance, and may also thicken the bleach to resist flushing, which makes it effective for longer when used in toilets. There are also various surface cleaning products and mould and mildew removers which incorporate bleach. It's active ingredient, sodium hypochlorite, denatures protein in micro-organisms and is therefore effective in killing bacteria, fungus and viruses.

Sodium hypochlorite is highly effective in several ways:

• It effectively removes a wide range of stains at low temperatures
• It removes unpleasant odours
• It provides excellent germ killing performance against all kinds of germs: bacteria, viruses and moulds

Hydrogen Peroxide - This type of bleach is most commonly used as a bleaching agent in laundry products. Labels will usually say which type of bleach a product contains and how much.

USES FOR BLEACH

Bleach can be very effective at cleaning and disinfecting household surfaces, toilets and drains, floor and kitchen surfaces. It can be used either neat or diluted, and is excellent for removing tough stains from white textiles and other materials.

Laundry - The most commonly known use for bleach is in the laundry room. By following the dilutions ratios on the packaging, you can remove stains, as well as keep sheets and duvets whiter for longer.

Floors & Showers - Simply dilute the bleach 1:1 with water, spray onto your tile grouting and continue to scrub. Leave the solution in the grouting for a few moments in order for the bleach to remove any tough grime and then wash away with water and wipe down with a clean cloth. This also works great for mildew and mould in bathrooms and in the shower grouting.

Bathrooms - The second most commin area to use bleach is in the toilet. Bleach helps remove any stains as well as odours that may occour in the toilet. Dilute the bleach as instructed o the packaging and scrub the inside of the bowl with a toilet brush. Flush the chain and rinse the toilet brush once completed.

Sanitising & Disinfecting - Bleach is one of the most common disinfectants and sanitisers, that has been used for centuries. This is not to say that bleach must be used on your skin as it is very toxic in high concentrations and may cause irritation and itchyness to the skin. Bleach can be used on kids toys, surfaces in and around our kitchen and even walls and floors.

HEALTH & SAFETY TIPS WITH BLEACH

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.

The Right Dilution - Using too much of a bleach or bleach-based product can damage the surface or fabric you are trying to clean, while using too little may be ineffective. Check the label, and follow the instructions.

The Right Application - Check the instructions to see what surfaces should and should not be cleaned with the bleach product. If in doubt, do a test in a small, inconspicuous area first. Bleach cleaning should be highly effective in the right circumstances.

Keep Out Of Reach Of Children - Like any cleaning product, store it safely away from anyone who should not get access to it, especially children. Drinking or touching bleach can cause injury, and the fumes can also be harmful to eyes and skin.

Avoid Spillages - Spilling bleach on your carpet, or getting it on other fabrics, can leave unsightly marks which might be impossible to remove. Mix and use bleach in an area which does not have carpets, and it’s probably best to not wear your favourite t-shirt and jeans while doing so.

Do Not Mix With Other Products - This is particularly important for acid-based products like limescale removers and even vinegar, as well as products which contain ammonia. The reaction between these products can release toxic fumes.

PRECAUTIONS

• Avoid using bleach on metals, wool, nylon, silk, dyed fabric and painted surfaces.
• Avoid touching the eyes. If bleach gets into the eyes, immediately rinse with water for at least 15 minutes and consult a doctor.
• Bleach should not be used together or mixed with other household detergents as this reduces its effectiveness in disinfection and causes chemical reactions. For instance, a toxic gas is produced when bleach is mixed with acidic detergents such as those used for toilet cleaning. This could result in accidents and injuries. If necessary, use detergents first and rinse thoroughly with water before using bleach for disinfection.
• As undiluted bleach liberates a toxic gas when exposed to sunlight, it should be stored in a cool and shaded place out of reach of children.
• Sodium hypochlorite decomposes with time. To ensure its effectiveness, it is advised to purchase recently produced bleach and avoid over-stocking.
• For effective disinfection, diluted bleach should be used within 24 hours after preparation as decomposition increases with time if left unused.

Please contact us for further assistance