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Household bleach is frequently referred to for a variety of prepping purposes, including treating water for storage or purifying contaminated water, and sanitation and disinfection of water containers or other items. But it’s very important that you know the properties and shelf life of bleach, and also exactly what bleach products you can use for these purposes and which ones you absolutely shouldn’t, because all bottles of bleach definitely do NOT carry the same product.
Thank you to CERT Trainer Dave Sinclair and CERT Volunteer Ron Sjolander for this information!
Regular household bleach with the active ingredient of sodium hydrochloride (6% or 8.25%) is an extremely effective disinfectant. However, it is a perishable item and will physically degrade over time. It can be stored for approximately six months at temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you require 6% sodium hypochlorite, you should change your supply every three months.
Keep in mind those timelines start at the date of manufacture, not your date of purchase.
To tell how old your Clorox bleach, look on the bottle for the stamped number that looks something like A818 34010CA3. The first two digits denote the plant where it was made. The next two digits, in this case “18”, is the year of manufacture. The next three digits are the Julian date of manufacture – “340”. The bleach was manufactured on the 340th day of 2018. (December 6).
Another indicator of potency is that the less bleach odor there is to the product, the more it has degraded, and the less effective it will be.
"Splash-less” bleach is not as strong, with a 3.9% sodium hypochlorite solution, and it contains detergent (soap!) In small print, the label reads "Not for sanitation or disinfection."
It contains DETERGENT! That’s right, soap!
That’s why, on the back label, in pretty small print, it says:
“Not for sanitation or disinfection.
To use bleach as a disinfectant:
If there are any particles visible in the water, filter it through cheese cloth, paper towel, coffee filters, or even a t-shirt. Pour the water into a sanitized container.
Add the proper amount of bleach for your container size and mix well (see below).
Wait 30 minutes. If after 30 minutes, you detect the smell of bleach in the water, it’s okay for use.
If no bleach smell, add bleach again and wait another 30 minutes. If you smell bleach, it’s okay. If you still have no bleach smell, find another water source.
How much bleach is needed?
The Clorox Company says for clear water it takes 2 drops per liter or quart and 8 drops per gallon. For cloudy, murky and/or very cold water, it is recommended the amount be doubled.
Cloudy, murky and very cold are subjective terms, therefore it is recommended that you use 4 drops per liter or quart and 16 drops per gallon for all water to be disinfected.
How much is 16 drops per gallon? One quarter teaspoon rounds to 25 drops; 16 drops is about 2/3rds of a quarter teaspoon. If you do not have an eyedropper, use a quarter teaspoon measure and just be prepared to have the bleach taste last longer. HINT: Tape an eyedropper where you store your bleach.
Bleach is extremely caustic and can do severe damage to internal organs in an undiluted form but it is safe to drink in water up to the point where you can’t tolerate the taste.
Boiling water for safe drinking
Heating water above 165 degrees F kills the viruses, bacteria and microscopic critters in water.
Bring water to a rolling boil; continue to boil for a full minute. Allow the water to cool before use.
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