Plain, unscented household bleach disinfects drinking water when the supply is in doubt and cleans surfaces when the taps stop. Replace it yearly, as it weakens in storage.
Unscented bleach turns doubtful tap water or stored water into safe drinking water. It also keeps surfaces clean when the taps stop. Pick the plainest bottle on the shelf and keep it fresh.
- Plain formula: Choose bleach whose label lists sodium hypochlorite at 6 or 8.25 percent as the active ingredient.
- Additive-free label: Stick with regular bleach, because scented, splash-less and color-safe versions carry additives that do not belong in drinking water.
- Household quantity: One gallon jug covers a two week bug in for most families, with plenty left over for cleaning.
- Freshness: Check the manufacture date and replace the bottle every year, because bleach loses strength in storage.
- Cool, dark storage: Keep it sealed in its original bottle, away from heat and sunlight, which speed the breakdown.
- Measured dosing: Store a clean dropper with the bottle and follow the label dose, such as 8 drops of 6 percent bleach per gallon of clear water, then wait 30 minutes.
