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j8ear · 11-07-2003, 06:53 PM

A couple of thoughts about bleach:

1. Bleach is much more effective in hot water...over 160 degrees. In fact the power of bleach is increased exponentially as the water temp rises. Provides a more suitable environment for the chemical reactions bleaches create to occur, and requires less of a bleach concentration to be effective.

2. Bleach MUST be thoroughly rinsed away or it will continue to do it's magic, days, weeks, even months after application. That is fade and deteriorate fabric. Several rinsings in cold water is recommended, and preferrably a neutralizing bath. Ideal neutralizer is hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is usually the active ingredient found in most ~color safe~ bleaches.

3. When washing your whites with bleach it is recommended to fill wash tub with hot water, add bleach during fill and add clothes to the already created bleach solution, after the washer has filled and begun agitating. If this is not possible (front loader e.g.) then dilute your bleach before applying directly to fabrics.

4. Bleach is an extremely effective mildewcide, and disinfectant. A simple solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water will suffice for all but the most demanding of industrial disinfecting needs.

5. Bleach mixed with amonia based (Mr Clean) solutions will create toxic gasses. Of most note is the release of chlorine gas. In high enough conentrations this can kill you by burning the insides of your lungs. I am unaware of any other 'mixing' precautions.

6. I am very fond of safety glasses. Probably not all that critical for light duty home use...but for goodness sakes keep an eye out for your peepers.

7. Thought of a few other things.

a. Skin contact. Flush with plenty of water.
b. Eyes. Flush with a sterile saline solution. If not available, flush with water and seek medical attention (Any EMT has the right fluid to flush your eyes clean). Time is of the essence.
c. Storage. Air tight plastic container. Avoid metal containers of most types.
d. Shelf Life. The active ingredient in bleach evaporates and renders your bleach solution impotent. I go through a gallon every three months, and keep the container sealed. I do begin to notice the reduced potentcy of the chemical.

-bear

11-07-2003, 06:53 PM	#8 (permalink)
j8ear Gentlemen Farmer Location: Middle of nowhere, Jersey	A couple of thoughts about bleach: 1. Bleach is much more effective in hot water...over 160 degrees. In fact the power of bleach is increased exponentially as the water temp rises. Provides a more suitable environment for the chemical reactions bleaches create to occur, and requires less of a bleach concentration to be effective. 2. Bleach MUST be thoroughly rinsed away or it will continue to do it's magic, days, weeks, even months after application. That is fade and deteriorate fabric. Several rinsings in cold water is recommended, and preferrably a neutralizing bath. Ideal neutralizer is hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is usually the active ingredient found in most ~color safe~ bleaches. 3. When washing your whites with bleach it is recommended to fill wash tub with hot water, add bleach during fill and add clothes to the already created bleach solution, after the washer has filled and begun agitating. If this is not possible (front loader e.g.) then dilute your bleach before applying directly to fabrics. 4. Bleach is an extremely effective mildewcide, and disinfectant. A simple solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water will suffice for all but the most demanding of industrial disinfecting needs. 5. Bleach mixed with amonia based (Mr Clean) solutions will create toxic gasses. Of most note is the release of chlorine gas. In high enough conentrations this can kill you by burning the insides of your lungs. I am unaware of any other 'mixing' precautions. 6. I am very fond of safety glasses. Probably not all that critical for light duty home use...but for goodness sakes keep an eye out for your peepers. 7. Thought of a few other things. a. Skin contact. Flush with plenty of water. b. Eyes. Flush with a sterile saline solution. If not available, flush with water and seek medical attention (Any EMT has the right fluid to flush your eyes clean). Time is of the essence. c. Storage. Air tight plastic container. Avoid metal containers of most types. d. Shelf Life. The active ingredient in bleach evaporates and renders your bleach solution impotent. I go through a gallon every three months, and keep the container sealed. I do begin to notice the reduced potentcy of the chemical. -bear __________________ It's alot easier to ask for forgiveness then it is to ask for permission. Last edited by j8ear; 11-07-2003 at 10:05 PM..