What You Need To Know About Cleaning with Bleach
Bleach is the cheapest and most common disinfectant; it has been around for centuries and can be remarkably effective at killing germs, bacteria, and viruses. However, bleach is made by combining chlorine and caustic soda (also known as lye), which are both very potent chemicals in their own right. While bleach is useful to any cleaning regime, it can also be dangerous if not used properly. Bleach is a potentially hazardous chemical and it can be found in many cleaning supplies, including toilet cleaners, stain removers, and tile residue removers.
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Because it is a chemical, bleach can cause damage to your eyes and skin, and the fumes can be a strong respiratory irritant. Fortunately, there are ways to stay safe when using bleach by taking the right precautions. Those who work in industries where the use of bleach is prevalent must understand the risks that can come with using it so they can be prevented.
A Few Things You May Not Know About Using Bleach
Bleach is actually more effective at killing germs when diluted than when used straight out of the bottle. For most uses, a ratio of nine parts water to one part bleach is recommended.
Bleach can also expire. After a shelf life of six months, bleach starts to degrade. Even in its original bottle, bleach becomes 20 percent less effective as each year goes by.
Bleach is very corrosive and can drill a hole right through stainless steel. Hence the reason why it’s important to wipe down metal surfaces with water after treating them with bleach. For some metal surfaces consider avoiding bleach altogether and using a different kind of disinfectant, such as ethanol.
Bleach As A Bactericidal Sterilant
Bleach has a well-established reputation for killing spores, allowing the product to be classified as a sterilant (destruction of all forms of microbial life, including spores), not just as a disinfectant.
In health care applications, a working concentration of 0.5% sodium hypochlorite in water is sufficient to act as a sterilant on critical surfaces. However, any soils on the surface must be removed with detergent, then the surfaces rinsed prior to applying bleach.
Residual soils or detergents on surfaces will consume bleach and will limit bactericidal or sporicidal action. If the surfaces are soil-free then direct application of bleach is fine. It’s essential that all surfaces be wiped thoroughly and after wiping, surfaces should be allowed to air dry for a minimum of 10 minutes to allow the liquid bleach to accomplish surface sterilization.
The Potential Risks of Using Bleach
Like with any cleaning chemical there are certain hazards users should be aware of. Bleach, also known as sodium hypochlorite, is an amazing antimicrobial agent and disinfectant. Its effectiveness in sanitization cannot be disputed, however, it has a warning label for a reason.
When heavily diluted it isn’t much of an issue, but the concentrated forms it comes in for industrial cleaning usage can be dangerous when safety precautions are neglected. Bleach interactions with other commonly used chemicals can produce harmful reactions.
When bleach comes in contact with ammonia, for example, it can react to form chlorine gas, which can cause cellular damage in the nasal passageways and lungs. Those with a chemistry background will tell you that mixing bleach and ammonia can create toxic chloramine gases and an explosive called nitrogen trichloride.
People often report a stinging sensation in the eyes and nose, as well as coughing and feeling short of breath. Chlorine-based bleach can also damage your skin and eyes. If left on the skin, bleach can cause serious irritation and burning.
Risks of using bleach include:
- Respiratory complications such as coughing or difficulty inhaling.
- Constant breathing in the fumes can lead to Sodium Hypochlorite poisoning.
- Burning and irritation when coming to contact with skin
- If ingested, abdominal and stomach pains
Taking Precautions When Using Bleach
While the potential risks of using bleach may seem alarming, it is completely possible to use bleach safely by taking the right precautions. Industrial-strength cleaners often have higher concentrations of hypochlorite, yet are not dangerous if users follow all directions and heed all warnings.
Bleach is one of the most common cleaning chemicals used today not only by professional cleaners but also by many households. Because of its popularity, there are many known ways to eliminate much of its potential danger. Suggestions and safety guidelines have been laid out by sources such as the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine Occupational and Environmental Medicine Division.
Helpful tips to consider when cleaning with bleach include:
- Reading labels properly. This is arguably the most important tip to consider when working with a cleaning chemical. Cleaning products approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) always have safety instructions to follow which are critical for ensuring an accident-free experience.
- Wear the recommended personal protective equipment. These recommendations can usually be found on the instructions of the product. Often times, gloves, eye protection, or protective face masks are suggested.
- Work in a well-ventilated area. Open windows or doors or turn on a fan. Especially when opening containers and mixing, preferably this should be done outside.
- Follow the recommended exposure limits. The NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) recommends an airborne exposure limit of 15 minutes in any work period for workers who use bleach of industrial strength.
Although bleach is a cheap and common disinfectant, it helps to know how to use it. Analyzing the potential dangers that come with using bleach is the best way to create a routine in which it can be used safely. That being said, individuals with respiratory problems should avoid using bleach altogether, as it has been shown to exacerbate asthma and allergies.
Cleanstart Commercial Cleaning and Janitorial Services
For over two decades, Cleanstart has been providing professional, janitorial and commercial cleaning services in the greater Puget Sound and Pacific Northwest for a variety of businesses and industries. We use state-of-the-art equipment and the latest cleaning technologies in order to keep your office or facility clean, hygienic, and safe.
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Cleanstart offers a wide range of janitorial and commercial cleaning services and plans with scheduling and timing options to accommodate a variety of businesses. We can create a cleaning plan tailored to meet your individual needs, schedule, and highest standards. From windows to all types of floors to hard-to-reach surfaces to bathrooms to parking lots, our highly-trained cleaning professionals utilize the latest commercial cleaning technologies, products, and equipment available on the market.
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