Proper handling of bleach?
 

I've never used bleach in my entire life. What's the proper handling of bleach when used with cleaning? Should I use gloves? How much should I use? What kind of container should I put it in? What kind of things can I use bleach to clean with? Any info would be helpful.

Wow..you've led a sheltered life, haven't you? :)

Just dump a cup or so (no need to actually measure) in with your white laundry. Don't use it with colored clothes! No gloves, etc. necessary, just wash it off if any gets on you.

Get Clorox Clean-Up, it is a cleaner w/ bleach in it, I love it for disinfecting the kitchen and bathroom. Just don't wear good clothes because it will mess them up if you get any on them.

DO NOT MIX BLEACH WITH OTHER CLEANERS

A toxic gas will form when bleach meets ammonia or acids like vinegar. Perhaps other things also.

In fact, don't mix it with anything but water, to be safe.

What about for cleaning floors and bathrooms?

Of course you need to keep bleach away from any dyed fabrics (carpets, clothes, curtains, etc). Keep it away from your eyes, mouth, nose. It's very strong so you don't need too much of it. Start out with a more diluted solution and if it doesn't quite do the job, add a bit more bleach.

If you don't use gloves (they aren't really necessary but may be helpful) make sure you wash your hands before touching your eyes, face, etc.

As others have said, don't mix with other chemicals. Make sure you have some fresh air moving into the area. The fumes can do damage to your lungs if you make the solution too strong and you breath it for any length of time.

If you can open a nearby window or door then do it. If you can point a fan towards the area you'll be cleaning that will work too.

I assume this is about the closet cleaning?

You can use bleach to clean up stained grout and the like but there are plenty of cleaners that will work well if you're not trying to get out stains.

you can put some on the floor neat. leave it a while them mop it up, leaves the floor shiney and white.

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

bleach... dont mix it with amonia...

if you get it on you... its not a big deal just rinse it off when you get a chance...

dont drink it
dont get it in your eyes... that should do

Has anyone used bleach on white plastic cutting boards? I have some with some pretty nasty brown and black staining. Any advice?