The Many Uses of Sodium Hypochlorite a.k.a. Liquid Bleach

Sodium hypochlorite is renowned for disinfecting and decontaminating surfaces. Its uses range from hospital rooms to waste disposal plants. Industrial chemical supplier Bell Chem’s 10%-11% sodium hypochlorite is technical grade. It’s significantly stronger than traditional box-store bleach, which makes it applicable for industrial settings since this percentage readily disinfects. What industries use sodium hypochlorite? Read below to learn about how this inexpensive, effective chemical is used across industries.

Commercial laundry services

The first use of sodium hypochlorite was in France where it was created and readily adapted to bleach cotton. From those humble beginnings, liquid bleach has taken on hundreds of uses. Still, fabric care is one of its most ubiquitous challenges. Commercial laundries rely on the stain-eradicating power of sodium hypochlorite. Clothes laundered in bleach appear whiter and significantly cleaner to consumers. Even better, since it works at room temperature, it is significantly more efficient than introducing high temperatures and less effective chemicals.

Laboratories and chemical factories

Chemical processes demand clean, sanitized surfaces to deter any errors in reactions. Sodium hypochlorite has assumed this role for more than half a century. When added to biological materials, sodium hypochlorite easily inactivates mycobacterium, viruses, fungi, and bacteria for simpler interactions. When lab personnel interact with biological agents, the disposal of those transactions is greatly simplified with sodium hypochlorite. Since liquid bleach easily kills microorganisms, the disposal of used experimental agents is a quick process.

Pool services

Algae growth is a common threat to public and private swimming pools. Liquid bleach rapidly amends pH imbalances (the standard pH of 11% sodium hypochlorite is 13) and kills organisms present in the water through oxidation and disinfection. Slow-acting sodium hypochlorite maintains clear water and deters the buildup of biofilm by keeping botanical growth at bay. Microorganisms are unable to build any defense against sodium hypochlorite, so its continued use will not be bound by biological resistance.

Public water treatment

As water is being treated, sodium hypochlorite neutralizes the odors created by sulfur hydrogen gas and ammonia. Without the addition of chlorine oxidizing the water, most water would not be considered safe to consume. Water treatment professionals and analysts have used a variety of chemicals in countless combinations to bring water to its purest standards. Through their efforts it has been determined sodium hypochlorite embodies the ultimate blend of effectiveness, safety, price, and ease of use.  

Bell Chem is an industrial chemical supplier based in Longwood, Florida, (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including sodium hypochlorite. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.

Sodium Hypochlorite 10-12%

Chances are excellent that if you look in your home or business cabinet right now you will find sodium hypochlorite 10-12%. Chances are also excellent you recognize this chemical by its more common name when it contains water as its solvent, liquid bleach. Customers of Bell Chem, the Florida Chemical Supplier, understand the importance of sodium hypochlorite as a bleaching agent and disinfectant.

• Bleaching: Sodium hypochlorite, with the chemical formula NaClO, breaks up and removes mold, tannins (found in plants and plant-based beverages such as tea), and in endodontics to remove fluorosis stains on teeth. Laundry detergents contain sodium hypochlorite to brighten white clothing.
• Disinfecting: As an antimicrobial, healthcare and laboratories find sodium hypochlorite ideal to stop the growth of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. When used after a detergent is applied and removed, sodium hypochlorite acts as a disinfectant for body fluids, including blood. The application of a detergent and disinfectant deters the survival of most viruses and biological microbes.
• Deodorizing: The microbes that produce noxious odors are no match for sodium hypochlorite. This gives sodium hypochlorite properties to deodorize as it disinfects.
• When combined with a more viscous fluid, sodium hypochlorite is able to adhere to surface for a longer stretch of time, allowing a more thorough cleaning before being rinsed.
• Food processing facilities and food prep areas can be sanitized with a weak solution of sodium hypochlorite as long as the area contacting food is able to drain sufficiently before usage, according to the USFDA.
• Water treatment systems find sodium hypochlorite perfect for treating toxic waste, removing the toxicity to safe levels. Sodium hypochlorite also controls bacterial and other biological growth that contaminates water systems, pulp mills, and paper mills.

Sodium hypochlorite is used industrially around the world. With its ability to be used at different concentrations for myriad applications, every business should stock some form of sodium hypochlorite. Bell Chem’s sodium hypochlorite 10-12% can be used full strength or diluted. Contact the Florida Chemical Supplier, Bell Chem, at 407-339-2355 (BELL) to speak with one of our representatives concerning this or any other industrial chemical. Check out our blogs for all your chemical and nutritional needs.