Unilever logo
Cleanipedia ZA logo

Does Bleach Kill Germs?

Chlorine is the active ingredient in most household bleaches and is one of the most powerful cleaning agents for the home. But just how does bleach kill all germs?

Updated

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Does Bleach Kill Germs

Here’s a little guide on all you need to know about bleach, how does bleach kill germs, and how to safely use it at home:

How Does Bleach Kill Germs?

Bleach as a solution is otherwise known as sodium hypochlorite. When bleach comes into contact with germs, bacteria, viruses, and other ugly organisms it effectively breaks down or destroys the proteins that make up the germs, thereby killing them instantly.

Every single living organism, including germs, and bacteria are made up of amino acids that make up proteins that form the organism. Bleach, and its active chemical compound, chlorine, attack the proteins within the germs and breaks them down, killing them.

What Types of Germs Does Bleach Kill?

Wondering what germs does bleach kill? And does it kill all germs? There are millions and millions of different types of germs and bacteria that exist in the world. Most household bleach products claim that bleach can kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria, because it cannot be proven on every single type of micro-organism that exists.

Of course, the research shows that bleach kills absolutely almost everything it comes into contact with, so it’s a pretty safe bet to assume that bleach kills germs.

The most common types of germs that exist are bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Commonly bleach can kill:

The Poll

What’s most important to you when it comes to cleaning?

0 Votes

How to Safely Use Bleach to Kill Germs?

When you want to use bleach in your home, there are some key safety points to remember: Never use bleach in an enclosed space. Always make sure the area is well ventilated. Wear protective gear like gloves when using bleach neat. It can cause irritation on the sensitive skin of the hands.

Never mix other products with bleach. You never know what kind of chemical reactions might ensue.

For more home cleaning tips and tricks, visit Cleanipedia today.

Frequently asked questions on Bleach

Is Thin Bleach Better Than Thick Bleach?

Bleach is bleach. Thick bleach tends to contain more active ingredients, in other words chlorine, so it’s wise to use thick bleach for high-use areas where many germs and bacteria are found like in the kitchen and bathroom.

Does Bleach Kill Faeces Germs?

Yes. Germs that exist naturally in faeces, will die when they come into contact with bleach. If there are any viruses or bacteria in the faeces, these will be killed in 99.9% of the cases too.

Does Bleach Kill Flu Germs?

Yes. Influenza is one of the germs that bleach can definitely kill. Research has been done to substantiate these claims.

What Germs does Bleach not Kill?

Because there are millions of germs that exist, it is impossible to test the power of bleach on every single kind of germ. That is why most brands claim that bleach can kill 99.9% of germs.

Does Bleach Kill Germs on Contact?

The active ingredient in bleach, chlorine, works instantly to break down the proteins of germs and bacteria the minute it gets into contact with it. It’s recommended to leave bleach on the surface of an area like the toilet bowl, toilet seat, and sink for 10 – 15 minutes to allow the chlorine to work fully.

Originally published