When you only need a little, make a little. Disinfecting a bigger area? Mix up a bigger batch. Since bleach and water solutions need to be made fresh each day you use them, only make what you need.
Don’t guess! Always measure.
Start by measuring the water, then use a measuring cup or measuring spoons to add the correct amount of bleach. You need the correct ratio of bleach and water to kill germs.
- Use the 1500 ppm solution for general disinfection of many organisms (such as MRSA, E. coli, Staph, Salmonella + SARS-CoV-2, HIV-1, Rhinovirus, Rotavirus).
- Use the 2000 ppm solution to kill additional germs (such as Strep, Bordetella, Listeria + Herpes, MERS, Ebola + Athletes Foot Fungus).
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Apply the bleach solution
When you know you have the correct solution, prewash or wipe the surface first, then sponge, mop or spray the bleach and water solution on. Let stand for the required amount of contact time, then rinse with clean water and allow to air dry. It’s that easy!
How to make a 1500 ppm solution for general disinfecting
| Amount of Cool Water | Amount of Bleach | Contact Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ratio | 48 parts | 1 part | |
| Five Gallon Bucket | 1 gallon | 1/3 cup | 6 minutes |
| 2 gallons | 2/3 cup | 6 minutes | |
| 3 gallons | 1 cup | 6 minutes | |
| 40 oz. spray bottle | 5 cups | 5 teaspoons | 6 minutes |
| 32 oz. spray bottle | 4 cups | 4 teaspoons | 6 minutes |
| 24 oz. spray bottle | 3 cups | 3 teaspoons | 6 minutes |
| 16 oz. spray bottle | 2 cups | 2 teaspoons | 6 minutes |
How to make a 2000 ppm solution to kill additional organisms
| Amount of cool water | Amount of bleach | Contact time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ratio | 36 parts | 1 part | |
| Five gallon bucket | 3/4 gallon | 1/3 cup | 5 minutes |
| 1½ gallons | 2/3 cup | 5 minutes | |
| 40 oz. spray bottle | 4½ cups | 2 tablespoons | 5 minutes |
| 24 or 32 oz. spray bottle | 3 cups | 4 teaspoons | 5 minutes |
| 16 oz. spray bottle | 1½ cups | 2 teaspoons | 5 minutes |
Chlorine test strips can be used to confirm that you have mixed the correct concentration of the bleach solution. If you test and the concentration is too low, just add a little more bleach and retest.
Do not use on aluminum, chipped or cracked enamel, copper, brass, silver or unsealed wood, marble, tile or granite.
What you need
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Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach -
Rubber gloves -
Plastic bucket -
Measuring cup -
Sponge
Steps for disinfecting with bleach
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1
Open a window.
Start by opening windows to allow good air circulation where you’re working. You can also use a fan to improve air circulation in rooms without windows.
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2
Pre-clean if necessary.
If a surface is visibly soiled, pre-clean before disinfecting.
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3
Mix up the bleach and water solution.
Fill a plastic bucket with the recommended amount of water for your specific task, then add 1/3 cup Clorox® Bleach. Wear gloves and clothing that you don’t mind accidentally splashing with bleach solution while you’re working.
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4
Sponge the solution onto the surface.
Apply the solution and allow it to stay on the surface for the specified amount of time for your task.
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5
Rinse with clean water and air dry
Rinse the sponge. Empty the bucket with the bleach and water solution, rinse it out, and then fill it with clean water. Use this to rinse the surface before letting the area air dry completely.
When using a spray bottle to apply the disinfecting solution, clean the bottle immediately when finished. Pour unused contents of the bottle down the sink, then rinse the bottle and sprayer mechanism with clean water.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a bleach and water solution last?
Bleach and water solutions need to be made fresh each day that you use them because the bleach active combined with your tap water breaks down quickly into salt and water. Ready-to-use products, on the other hand, are formulated with a one-year shelf life when properly stored away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place.
- What solution should I use for mold and mildew?
Use the 1500 ppm solution. Let the solution stay on the surface for up to 10 minutes before rinsing.
- I bought my bleach at warehouse store and it has a different name. Can I use it instead?
Yes. Depending on where you buy your bleach, you could also use any of the following: Clorox® Bleach1, Clorox® Regular Bleach3, Clorox® Performance Bleach2 and Clorox® Germicidal Bleach4.
Bleach should be stored away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. When stored as directed, a bottle of bleach has a one-year shelf-life. This applies to both unopened and opened bottles.