People often have many questions surrounding the proper use of bleach and bleach-safe products to use while sanitising, cleaning and disinfecting in general. There are many factors to consider when using bleach products, namely pertaining to safety and effectiveness. As with any cleaning product, there are certain instructions that need to be followed to effectively employ the cleaning solution while keeping the safety of others in mind (such as using water to create diluted bleach and utilising certain safety precautions while disinfecting surfaces).
As long as precautionary measures are considered throughout the process, chlorine bleach cleaning can be one of the most effective ways to rid a space of germs, bacteria and common viruses like influenza or COVID-19, as explained by the Department of Health.
Better understanding when you can use bleach for cleaning purposes, how to dilute bleach with water and some of the safety tips and benefits that follow bleach cleaning can ensure your commercial property lives up to the highest quality standards. Read on to learn more about the bleach-cleaning process:
Bleach is a strong and useful disinfectant in many different instances thanks to its active ingredient, sodium hypochlorite. It makes microorganism proteins break down, thus killing bacteria, fungus and common viruses.
However, household and commercial bleach aren’t the same. Using the wrong type in a workplace can lead to poor results or damage. Household bleach, commonly used in laundry products and household cleaners, contains a lower concentration of sodium hypochlorite—usually around 3 to 5 percent. It’s made for light-duty cleaning jobs like removing stains during a wash cycle or disinfecting benchtops and sinks.
Commercial sodium hypochlorite bleach, on the other hand, is much stronger. Often containing concentrations of 10 per cent or more, it’s designed for high-demand environments such as hospitals, aged care facilities, and commercial kitchens. These workplaces deal with tougher contaminants and require a higher level of sanitation. Commercial bleach can kill a wider range of pathogens but also comes with higher risks if not used correctly.
Due to its strength, commercial bleach must be handled with extra caution. It should always be diluted before use and never substituted directly in place of household cleaners. Using it undiluted on surfaces, or as you would use household chlorine bleach, can damage materials and cause irritation or breathing issues. To bleach safely in commercial environments, always wear protective gear and follow correct dilution guidelines.
Bleach can also be utilised to remove mould, and it can be used as a general disinfectant when diluted with water; because the solution is so strong, diluted bleach with water is not a less effective option. It is always advised to dilute chlorine bleach for cleaning purposes— this prevents a leftover bleach residue from forming on surfaces and causing potential irritation if someone comes in contact with it. The water breaks down the bleach concentration and prevents this from happening.
Before you clean with bleach, be sure to use water to rinse and wipe down the surface you intend to disinfect prior to cleaning with the diluted bleach product. Rubbermaid microfibre wipes can be used throughout this entire process, as they are safe for bleach cleaning.
To create an effective bleach mixture, combine one part chlorine bleach with nine parts water—this 1:10 ratio is standard for disinfection. After the bleach is mixed and applied, allow the bleach solution to sit for about 10 minutes to kill germs and viruses. Since this diluted bleach doesn’t leave harmful residue, there’s no need to rinse the surface after cleaning.
Bleach cleaning comes with a variety of advantages. Here are a few reasons why you should consider cleaning with diluted chlorine bleach over an alternative product, specifically during a pandemic:
Using bleach is relatively inexpensive, widely accessible and is one of the few products on the market that efficiently dissolves biofilm. It’s also widely accessible and its feasibility as a disinfectant with broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties has been demonstrated by widespread existing use. Plus, easy access to water makes it simple and seamless to use properly.
According to the Australian Government National Health and Medical Research Council, there is evidence that suggests chlorine bleach disinfectants with sodium hypochlorite as its active ingredient are effective in controlling norovirus outbreaks.
Our bleach-safe products in the Rubbermaid HYGEN™ Microfibre System range provides you with optimal infection prevention. Proven to remove 99.9% of microbes, the range offers both laundry safe (up to 500 washes) and disposable microfibre products which allow for flexibility within your successful cleaning practices. Our disposable microfibre products remove 99.99% of human coronavirus, OC43 and help reduce cross-contamination.
Despite the emergence of new disinfecting products and alternative technologies, bleach remains one of the most accessible and commonly used disinfectants on the market.
If you mix bleach with the wrong product—like ammonia or other cleaners—you risk releasing a toxic gas called chloramine, which can cause breathing problems and other health issues. Accidents like these are preventable. Whether you're a facility cleaner or a business owner, always follow label directions and adopt proper safety practices. Below, we’ve listed key tips to help you safely clean with chlorine bleach, based on advice from cleaning experts and Australian guidelines.
Bleach is often seen as an intimidating product to use due to its level of toxicity when undiluted. Bleach concentrate is stronger than regular bleach, so be sure to make that distinction before purchasing, diluting and employing.
As bleach is corrosive, you must wear protective gear, such as gloves and eyewear. Bleach can cause irritation to the skin, eyes and other mucous membranes. Also be mindful of your clothing while utilising bleach; one misstep and contact with your clothing could result in a bleach spot left behind or severe colour fading.
Remember to always purchase bleach that is registered either by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency or another, equivalent regulatory body within your country, and follow the manufacturer's guidelines when using a sodium hypochlorite solution for bleach cleaning.
While children may not be roaming the halls of your facility, it’s still important to keep them in mind when storing bleach products. Bleach can also trigger asthma attacks and other health-related issues, so be sure to store bleach products in a safe, controlled environment that sees little foot traffic on a regular basis.
Remember: Bleach concentrate is stronger than regular bleach. Always check the label for sodium hypochlorite concentration before the dilution process so you can safely start bleach cleaning.
There’s no denying how different the world is today. Hygiene plays a major role in our ability to feel safe in public places, and it’s become just as important as cleanliness. Understanding what types of products will create hygienic space within domestic and commercial environments is essential to the safety and comfort of workers and visitors alike. Chlorine bleach cleaning is one of the safest and most effective ways to clean and it should be strongly considered during and after a pandemic.
With this in mind, we recommend looking into the Rubbermaid HYGEN range of products, which are all 100% safe to use with chlorine bleach. For more information on the laundry microfibre and disposable microfibre systems and how they can be used for bleach cleaning, contact us directly today.
Using bleach the wrong way can do more harm than good, but with the right process and products, it becomes a reliable disinfectant in commercial settings. A cleaning expert would agree: bleach works best when combined with tools designed to handle its strength. That’s where Rubbermaid comes in. Contact us today to learn more.
