Shelf Life of Bleach Products

[411man]

Shelf Life of Bleach information sources.

http://www.drlaundryblog.com/?p=144

http://www.clorox.com/products/faqs.php?prod_id=clb



http://chemistry.about.com/b/2007/10...shelf-life.htm

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Chlorine Bleach Shelf Life

Bleach is one of those household chemicals I own, but rarely use. The last time I bought chlorine bleach was the last time I moved, which was two years ago. The bleach lost most of its effectiveness long ago. Bleach loses its activity over time. It doesn't matter whether or not the bleach container has been opened or not. Temperature is the primary factor affecting how long bleach remains active.

According to Clorox™, the amount of hypochlorite that is added to their bleach depends on the season in which it is manufactured, because temperature affects the decomposition rate of sodium hypochlorite. So, more hypochlorite is added to bleach made in the summer than in cooler months. Clorox aims to maintain a 6% hypochlorite concentration for at least six months after the manufacturing date, assuming the bleach is stored around 70°F. It takes about 4-8 weeks from the time chlorine bleach is made to when it gets to a store so that you can buy it to take home. This leaves you 3-5 months where the bleach is at the effectiveness level stated on its label.

Does this mean bleach is useless after 3-5 months? No, because you probably don't need 6% hypochlorite for laundry and home disinfection. The 6% hypochlorite level is an EPA disinfection standard. If you store your bleach where it can get warmer than 70°F... like 90°F... the bleach is still effective for around three months.

So, when you buy a bottle of bleach, it has a shelf life. The bleach will be highly effective for around 6 months and fine for home use for around 9 months. If you're like me and have had the same bottle for a couple of years, it's probably time to go shopping.

How Bleach Works | Killing Power of Bleach & Vinegar
Photo: Mark Gallagher(Wikipedia Commons)


http://www.clorox.com/products/faqs....bp&style=print

http://www.cloroxprofessional.com/fa..._cleaner.shtml

[madcritter]

This is good to know info. Thanks

[RevPaul]

This is why I keep calcium hypochlorite (78%) "pool shock.
1 level teaspoon will make 2 gallons of pure chlorine stock.
This is a dry chemical, that last for years and years.
remember, 6 to 12 drops of chlorine per gallon of water, will purify drinking water.

[madcritter]

Originally Posted by RevPaul

This is why I keep calcium hypochlorite (78%) "pool shock.
1 level teaspoon will make 2 gallons of pure chlorine stock.
This is a dry chemical, that last for years and years.
remember, 6 to 12 drops of chlorine per gallon of water, will purify drinking water.

you can use the calcium hypochlorite for water purification ? This the same stuff you would buy at lowes for the pool ?

[Scruggs]

Good post! I have to buy the heavy duty pool bleach (12% sodium hypochlorite) to fill a chlorinator that injects it into my water supply to take out the very heavy sulphur of my well water. As with most items, I bought it in bulk. Couldn't figure out why it has seemed less effective lately and keeps requireing adjustments to the injector pump to ramp up the injection rate. The bleach I am using is nearly 2 years old. I mistakenly thought that it would store indefinately. Thanks.

[421slicer]

Good Info to 411man and RevPaul! Thanks!

[RevPaul]

the recipe I gave is for 78%.
be sure to read the precentages, as the federal government put restrictions on this chemical.
Most stores only stock 48% or less.
Check your local pool supply for 78%
It is also an oxidizer.

[Paulycracker]

Might be a good idea to get some to have on hand. Is it expensive? How do you store that stuff? Is it dangerous to handle?

I'm tempted to get some if it is that nasty! LOL Bet it's good stuff!

[RevPaul]

Originally Posted by Paulycracker

Might be a good idea to get some to have on hand. Is it expensive? How do you store that stuff? Is it dangerous to handle?

I'm tempted to get some if it is that nasty! LOL Bet it's good stuff!

You can buy it in 50 lb. kegs, all the way down too 1 lb. bags.
I prefer the 1 lb. bags, they store very well, and you only need a little bit at a time anyway.
Humidity can contaminate this stuff, so better too lose a smaller portion, then a 50 lb keg.
After I open mine, I put the unused portion into double ziplock bags.
WASH your hands very well after handling, as this stuff will BURN you.
remember 78%, the rest is inert, and only calcium hypochlorite.
The other stuff is poisionous.
Cost is about $3.oo per bag, and about $130.00 per keg.

[Jericho]

Originally Posted by RevPaul

This is why I keep calcium hypochlorite (78%) "pool shock.
1 level teaspoon will make 2 gallons of pure chlorine stock.
This is a dry chemical, that last for years and years.
remember, 6 to 12 drops of chlorine per gallon of water, will purify drinking water.

Amazing.... hadn't thought of that, and I used to do the pool duties for years! Yes, this stuff is potent and stores very well when kept dry. We bought gobs of the stuff once, and were using it for at least two years afterwards. Just like dehydrated foods, it stores lighter than products with their water intact, and in a smaller space.

Good post, RP!!

[DeepSea1985]

I had considered this back when we had our pool but never did the research......So, is your mixture to make two gallons of "pool shock" chemically the same as two gallons of generic chlorine bleach? Why wouldn't the inert poisonous stuff percentage you mentioned be a concern, low concentration?

Thanks

[lrminer]

I know nothing about any of this than what I read and I found this in an article on
stealthsurvival.blogspot.com
This is the link to the page:
http://stealthsurvival.blogspot.com/...ification.html


Liquid bleach is not very stable and breaks down gradually over a period of time. It is still usable after about 6 months but you will have to use more than you normally would to achieve the same results. This will lead to a very rapid decrease in your ability to treat your water sources in order to make them safe to drink. Calcium hypochlorite, better known as pool shock, will keep in its dry form for approximately 10 years. Liquid chlorine bleach will lose most of it's potency after only a year and will eventually degrade (turning into salt water) until it is useless as a chemical treatment for your water.

Dry granules of calcium hypochlorite (pool shock) can be used to make your own liquid bleach as it is needed and allow you to have a reliable source of fresh bleach for water treatment purposes. Calcium hypochlorite is very inexpensive and can be purchased anywhere swimming pool supplies are sold. You will need to obtain the plain variety which does not contain any algaecides or fungicides. You will also need to store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Remember it must be 65% calcium hypochlorite only with no additional anti-fungals or algaecides. Calcium hypochlorite granules are highly corrosive and should be stored in an air-tight, plastic container for best long term storage results. Using liquid bleach is an excellent short term water purification solution, while dry granular bleach is much better for long term water purification needs.

Be sure to read the part underlined.
Hope this helps.

[Ballenxj]

This thread has been going on for some time now, but I figure a link to it belongs here.
http://www.survivalistboards.com/sho...d.php?t=115642

[MikeK]

Folks, there is a good thread on calcium hypochlorite in the food and water forum. It explains it all.