Download information as a Bleach Mixture and Safety information sheet (
).
How to Correctly Use Bleach
Use correct concentrations for varying surfaces.
Sanitizing bleach solution concentrations:
- For Food Contact Surfaces (table tops, counters, dishes, and utensils) mix no more than 1 TB of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Stronger solutions are considered toxic for ingestion.
- For All other surfaces, such as, sinks, door knobs, phones, diaper changing equipment, and toys (that set overnight before reuse) mix ¼ cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water.
- For Blood Spill mix 3 oz. or 6 tablespoons per quart of water
When Sanitizing with Bleach, Always:
- Keep out of reach children
- Clean surfaces with soap and water, then sanitize with correct bleach concentrate
- Mix solutions daily
- Label all containers with concentration strength
- Always read the label and mix properly, just like with other sanitizers
- Only use non-scented bleach
Why Use Bleach?
There are numerous advantages to using bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) over other products for sanitization.
- It is the least expensive option
- It can easily be purchased at your grocery store
- Needs to be kept out of reach of children, but does not need to be stored in locked cabinet like other household products
Use of Sanitizers and Disinfectants
Only use hospital or commercial grade products except for bleach which should have 5.5% to 6% Sodium Hypochlorite as the active ingredient
Read the Label. Most non-bleach products kill only 1-3 “germ” types and are not useful in a childcare setting. Be careful when using any chemicals, make sure to learn:
- What the product is supposed to do
- Precautions and what to avoid
- Guidelines for mixing
- Know emergency treatment for ingestions or contact with eyes or mucous membranes.
Basic use and safety information is available on the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each product and should be kept in a notebook for all staff to access for each chemical product in your facility. More information on the MSDS sheets for products can be found at the Consumer Product Safety Commission website: http://www.cpsc.gov/