Benefits of Bleach
A staple of almost every household, bleach is a great disinfectant that kills most viruses and bacteria. It’s also an excellent weed killer and can preserve cut flowers.
The chemical that makes up bleach is chlorine, and it can be found in a variety of products around your home. Chlorine is the key ingredient in most soaps, shampoos, skin whiteners and hair colorants, plus it’s used to produce everything from yoga mats to plastic bottles and paper products.
Bleach works by attacking the chemical bonds in a coloured compound’s chromophores, preventing it from reflecting visible light. That’s how it removes colour and gives clothes a brighter, more uniform appearance.
You can use bleach to get rid of hard-to-remove food stains like chocolate and orange juice, as well as to disinfect your toilets. Just add some bleach to a solution of water, then wipe down your sinks and other surfaces.
It can also be used to clean kitchen and bathroom counters, cutting boards and butcher block countertops. Simply add a teaspoon of bleach to a couple of quarts of water, dip in a brush and scrub the surfaces.
Another good use for bleach is to disinfect toys. A half-cup of bleach diluted in water is enough to soak small plastic toys, including Legos and doll accessories, for five to ten minutes.
Using bleach can cause a lot of fumes and should only be done in well-ventilated areas. Be sure to wear gloves and other protective gear when working with this dangerous substance.