It is common knowledge that chlorine can be used to maintain hygienic conditions and disinfect water. Consumers can choose between two types of active chlorine for their cleaning needs: calcium hypochlorite or sodium hypochlorite.
The sodium hypochlorite commonly known as “bleach” is used to clean laundry and other materials, such as commercial food utensils. The calcium hypochlorite is also known as Bleaching Powder and it is used to disinfect and deodorize various items, including cleaning swimming pools. Another form of bleach is hydrogen peroxide, which does not contain chlorine.
The three different types of bleach can be used in an emergency. It’s best to have one or two types on hand. However, there is a caution I will mention shortly.
Storing Bleach
Bleach works chemically by oxidation. This means it releases oxygen molecules that break down contaminants. It can be used for many things, including purifying water and killing bacteria. A jug is very cheap and can be easily stored, at least for the short-term.
Unfortunately, the shelf life for bleach and bleaching products is only 6 months because sodium hypochlorite breaks down to salt and water. When stored properly (ideally at room temperature), household bleach can last for up to nine months. However, it will not have the power that is stated on its label.
Bleach’s effectiveness decreases over time. If you can smell bleach in the container but it has lost some strength, then it is likely to have been affected. When this occurs, you’ll be able to tell when the bleach is no longer smelling when the container has been opened.
If you plan to keep a large stock of liquid bleach in your home, you will need to rotate the product every six months. This shouldn’t prove to be a problem if it is used regularly for cleaning.
The shelf life of calcium hypochlorite powdered bleach is longer than that of liquid bleach. It can even last for up to 24 month. This type of bleach must be stored in a container that is not made from metal. It will consume the metal and react with it. You can store it in glass or plastic, as long as it is kept cool and dry (50F to 70F/10C-21C).
Bleach Safety
Bleach is a powerful chemical and you will only require a small amount for the majority of common cleaning tasks. Most commonly, the dilution is 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.
You may have to add more bleach or use less depending on the purpose for which you are using it. If you are using it to clean clothes that have been stained with blood or protein, you will need more bleach. You would use less bleach for cleaning or purifying the water.
Bleach should never be mixed with other chemicals such as ammonia or vinegar. You will then be exposed to toxic gasses.
- Inhaling chlorine gas is dangerous if you mix vinegar with bleach.
- Chloramine is formed when ammonia and bleach react.
- Chloroform is formed when rubbing alcohol and bleach are combined.
Although bleach (hydrogen peroxide) is used to lighten hair, it should not be handled for long periods of time. Itching is a sign of a chemical burning. The longer you are in contact with the bleach, the greater the risk. Skin contact with bleach can cause permanent skin damage and skin lightening.
If you are planning to survive a SHTF situation for a longer period of time, it is best to use other purification and filtration systems (Sawyer mini personal water filters or the Big Berkey Water filter, etc.). If you need to drink from the wild in the short-term, then bleach can be a great option.
Even if bleach is not mixed with anything dangerous, it can emit a chemical smell. If you are handling large amounts, make sure to do so in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves and ear protection. It may not be feasible to do this in an SHTF scenario, but you can take precautions if necessary.
Bleach and Water purification
Water can be contaminated in many ways. Organic impurities or chemical substances can make water unfit for drinking. Filtration is an efficient way to remove dirt, but it doesn’t remove all contaminants from water. Most people purify the water after filtering.
Bleach can effectively make water potable that has been contaminated with organic material. You should only use bleach containing chlorine, since the chlorine neutralizes any organic matter in bleach. This is because the chlorine will oxidize the organic material, killing any potentially harmful organisms in the water.
To kill bacteria, use 8 drops per gallon. Use the right amount of bleach to prevent overconsumption.
You should always use unscented liquid bleach when you purify your water using liquid bleach. Most of the common laundry bleaches you buy in the store are scented. However, many major brands offer unscented versions (including Clorox).
Bleach is an easy way to remove or deal with organic contaminants in water. Powdered bleach is a great alternative to liquid bleach. It has a much longer shelf-life. Aquatabs are another great option. They’re made of Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate, which is different than chlorine. You can easily find them online.
You’ll also want to make sure they are stored properly in the bag, just as you would anywhere else. Store them in plastic or glass containers. Make sure the container does not have any pressure or heat, nor is it near chemicals with which bleach may react.
Bleach can be used for sanitizing objects in addition to purifying the water. Mixing a cup-and-ahalf of bleach into a gallon water will help sanitize surfaces that are severely contaminated. Allow the mixture to remain on the surface of the surface for 3 minutes. If you are sanitizing small items like dishes and other things such as utensils, then a quarter-cup of bleach per gallon is the best solution.
You will want to use the correct amount, especially if it’s to clean cooking utensils or other items that are in contact with food.
Summarising
They are the most economical way to have clean water during an emergency. However, they also come with some downsides. If improperly combined, consumed in large quantities, or left in contact with the skin, bleach can cause harm. The shelf-life of 6-12 months is another issue. It is cheap and can be used around the home.
You can also store different types of bleach in your bug-out bag to be prepared for all situations. For example, you can easily carry around tablets and pellets in your bug-out bag while powdered chlorine can be kept in large quantities at home or at the bug-out location. You can also buy unscented, old-fashioned laundry bleach in large quantities and keep them until their shelf life expires.
Bleach is a household staple because of the many uses it has. Few products are as versatile and affordable for cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing. As long as your bleach is stored and handled properly, you can use it in many situations.