Preparing bleach solution for cleaning and disinfection

Dilute as follows for cleaning:²

1:100 solutions are used for general household cleaning of surfaces.

½ tsp bleach to 1-cup of water (2.5 ml bleach to 250 ml water)

2 tsp bleach to 1-quart water (10 ml bleach to 1000 ml water)

3 tbsp bleach to 1-gallon of water (100ml bleach to 10 liters water)

1:50 bleach solutions are used for disinfecting surfaces contaminated with bodily fluids and waste like vomit, diarrhea, mucus, blood, or feces.

1 tsp bleach to 1-cup water (5 ml bleach to 250 ml water)

4 tsp bleach to 1-quart water (20 ml bleach to 1000 ml water)

6 tbsp bleach to 1-gallon water (200 ml bleach to 10 liters water)

Procedure for disinfecting a contaminated surface or object

To use the bleach solution for disinfecting a surface or object, first wipe up the area with a towel and clean it with soap and water to remove the gross fluids, matter, or dirt. Then spray the appropriate solution on the surfaces or materials or wipe it on with a towel or sponge. Thoroughly wet the entire contaminated area with the bleach solution and let it sit undisturbed for 30 minutes. Wipe the remaining solution off the surface with a moist towel or rinse it off with clean water. Now the area or article is clean and free of contamination.

Disinfecting large containers for drinking water storage

First wash your container thoroughly using soap and water. Use a plastic bristle brush to remove any particulate matter adhered to the inside container surface. A high-pressure spray washer is also useful for this task. Thoroughly rinse all soap from the container.

Spray or wipe the inside of the container with the 1:50 bleach solution. Be careful to drench all internal surfaces of the container including the lid or top. Repeat this step every 15 minutes twice more.

Allow the disinfecting solution to sit in the container for 1 hour then discard it. Do not rinse the container with water after decontamination because this reintroduces new contaminates. The container is ready for use. It can be filled immediately after decontamination or the top can be secured and it can be filled later. If latter, repeat the use of the bleach disinfecting steps just prior to filling the containers with water.

Water purification methods

Unscented household bleach

Plain unscented household bleach (6% sodium hypochlorite) is the most practical way to purify a large quantity of water. For adults the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends adding 1/8^th tsp of household bleach to each gallon of drinking water to get rid of virus, mold, fungi, bacteria and protozoa.³ This treatment is not safe for infants until it has been run through a good filter. Allow the water to sit for 30 minutes after adding the bleach before using it.⁴

Please follow Babygirls instructions . There are many new studies of bleach and associated problems of use .. Europe put one out recently re bladder cancer and chlorine in drinking , showering and swimming water .. Use gloves if cleaning and washing down surfaces , know your chlorine , get to know it well ..... pop on a mask .. follow instructions , be aware of children and pets in area of bleach cleaning and the effects they may show ...


There is a lot of well founded concern about chlorine. When chlorine is added to our water, it combines with other natural compounds to form Trihalomethanes (chlorination byproducts), or THMs. These chlorine byproducts trigger the production of free radicals in the body, causing cell damage, and are highly carcinogenic. “Although concentrations of these carcinogens (That) are low, it is precisely these low levels that cancer scientists believe are responsible for the majority of human cancers in the United States“. The Environmental Defense Fund

Simply stated chlorine is a pesticide, as defined by the U.S. EPA, who’s sole purpose is to kill living organisms. When we consume water containing chlorine, it kills some part of us, destroying cells and tissue inside our body. Dr. Robert Carlson, a highly respected University of Minnesota researcher who’s work is sponsored by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, sums it up by claiming , “the chlorine problem is similar to that of air pollution”, and adds that “chlorine is the greatest crippler and killer of modern times!”

Breast cancer, which now effects one in every eight women in North America, has recently been linked to the accumulation of chlorine compounds in the breast tissue. A study carried out in Hartford Connecticut, the first of it’s kind in North America, found that, “women with breast cancer have 50% to 60% higher levels of organochlorines (chlorination byproducts) in their breast tissue than women without breast cancer.”

One of the most shocking components to all of these studies is that up to 2/3s of our harmful exposure to chlorine is due to inhalation of steam and skin absorption while showering. A warm shower opens up the pores of the skin and allows for excelerated absorption of chlorine and other chemicals in water. The steam we inhale while showering can contain up to 50 times the level of chemicals than tap water due to the fact that chlorine and most other contaminants vaporize much faster and at a lower temperature than water. Inhalation is a much more harmful means of exposure since the chlorine gas (chloroform) we inhale goes directly into our blood stream. When we drink contaminated water the toxins are partially filtered out by our kidneys and digestive system. Chlorine vapors are known to be a strong irritant to the sensitive tissue and bronchial passages inside our lungs, it was used as a chemical weapon in World War II. The inhalation of chlorine is a suspected cause of asthma and bronchitis, especially in children… which has increased 300% in the last two decades. “Showering is suspected as the primary cause of elevated levels of chloroform in nearly every home because of chlorine in the water.” Dr Lance Wallace, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Chlorine in shower water also has a very negative cosmetic effect, robbing our skin and hair of moisture and elasticity, resulting in a less vibrant and youthful appearance. Anyone who has ever swam in a chlorinated pool can relate to the harsh effects that chlorine has on the skin and hair. What’s surprising is that we commonly find higher levels of chlorine in our tap water than is recommended safe for swimming pools.

Aside from all the health risks related to chlorine in our water, it is the primary cause of bad taste and odor in drinking water. The objectionable taste causes many people to turn to other less healthful beverages like soft drinks, tea or other sweetened drinks. A decreased intake of water, for any reason, can only result in a lower degree of health.

The good news is that chlorine is one of the easiest substances to remove from our water. For that reason it logically should serve it’s purpose of keeping our water free from harmful bacteria and water borne diseases right up to the time of consumption, where it should then be removed by quality home water filtration.

No one will argue that chlorine serves an important purpose, and that the hazards of doing away with chlorine are greater than or equal to the related health risks. The simple truth is that chlorine is likely here to stay. The idea that we could do away with chlorine any time in the near future is just not realistic. It is also clear that chlorine represents a very real and serious threat to our health and should be removed in our homes, at the point of use, both from the water we drink and the water we shower in.
http://www.ghchealth.com/chlorine-cancer-and-heart-disease.html

One more item I saved ages ago , while researching vinegar and bleach .....


Vinegar increases killing power of bleach:



“Diluted bleach at an alkaline pH is a relatively poor disinfectant, but acidified diluted bleach will virtually kill anything in 10 to 20 minutes,” says Miner. “In the event of an emergency involving Bacillus anthracis spores contaminating such environmental surfaces as counter tops, desk and table tops, and floors, for example, virtually every household has a sporicidal sterilant available in the form of diluted, acidified bleach.”

Miner recommends first diluting one cup of household bleach in one gallon of water and then adding one cup of white vinegar.
Well, it may be time to start breaking out those old boy scout mottos: Be prepared. This looks like one hell of a piece of information that can be helpful in a large number of situations.

http://www.asmbiodefense.org/

Basic Water Information

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One of the simplest, but most neglected area of emergency food storage is water. This problem is compounded when home food storage programs rely heavily on dried foods such as beans, wheat and powdered milk. You may have enough calories stored to last six months, but do you have enough water?

One gallon per day per person is the recommended minimum. More realistic though is about two quarts for drinking plus a gallon for washing plus whatever water you might need for cooking. This is the bare minimum.

You don't need to go out and buy specific storage bottles, but not all food household containers are fit for water storage. Plastic gallon milk bottles are safe, but not durable and may start leaking if stored for long periods. Glass gallon bottles like those used for apple cider are also safe, but be careful where you store them. Probably the perfect water storage bottles are the two-liter type soda bottles.

If plastic containers are used, care should be taken to assure that they are made of plastic approved for food contact by the Federal Food and Drug Administration. Polyethylene plastic is approved for food contact and is commonly used for containers of various sizes, including 55-gallon drums. Certain types of plastic containers are not intended for food contact (such as vinyl plastic waterbeds, or trash containers) and may leach undesirable chemicals into stored water. Leaching of chemicals from approved plastics is negligible.

Water stored in plastic containers should not be stored near gasoline, kerosene, pesticides or similar substances. Vapors from these substances could permeate the plastic and affect the water. Thick-walled polyethylene containers are significantly less permeable to vapors than are thin walled containers, Be certain, when selecting a storage container for water, that it has a tight fitting cap or lid to prevent entrance of contaminants and evaporation of water. Because sunlight has an adverse affect on plastic, water should be stored away from direct exposure to sunlight.
 

Shelf Life of Water

The shelf life of water depends on the original quality of the water, the temperature at which it is stored, how much light it is exposed to just to name a few. Many manufacturers of bottled water will include a shelf life on their product.

Treated water out of the tap needs nothing added and should have a shelf life of about 10 years. Untreated water, from a well for instance, should be stored with about 16 drops of chlorine bleach per gallon. Sterilized or disinfected water, stored in clean, food-approved containers with secure lids or caps, should be safe for use even after many years of storage. Replacement of stored water with fresh water should be necessary only if the stored water becomes contaminated in some way or if the container should begin to leak. Be certain to label each container so there will be no question about its contents. Include the date and information on the method of disinfection used.

Stored water may eventually develop a disagreeable appearance, taste, or odor. Under emergency conditions, water that tastes flat can be aerated by pouring the water from one container to another to another about three or four times.

Be Careful About Rain Water - Rain water that has been collected should be treated the same as any other unknown water source. Rain water contains small particulates and acid.
 

Water Purification Methods

Boiling- Most water can be purified for drinking purposes by boiling it for 10 minutes. This will destroy the bacteria. In order to improve the taste it will be necessary to aerate it after boiling. This is accomplished by pouring it from one container to another several times. This should be done after the water has been allowed to cool.

Chlorination-
For long-term storage, water should be sterilized or disinfected. Water stored in thoroughly cleaned plastic or glass containers can be chemically disinfected for long-term storage by treating each gallon with sixteen drops of liquid chlorine bleach (Clorox or Purex type bleaches, containing 4% to 6% sodium hypochlorite). One teaspoon of bleach disinfects five gallons of water. This level of treatment will prevent growth of microorganisms during storage. After adding the proper dosage and stirring, allow the water to stand for 30 minutes. It should then have a distinct odor of chlorine. If this odor is not present, add another dose of the solution and let stand for another 15 minutes. The taste or smell or chlorine in water as treated in this manner is a sign of safety. It is not harmful. On the contrary, if you cannot detect chlorine in water you are trying to purify by this method, do not drink it.

Purification Tablets -
Tablets that release iodine may be used safely to purify drinking water. These tablets can be found at most drug stores and sporting goods stores. The names vary but it is generically known as halazone tablets. Follow the directions on the package. Usually one tablet is sufficient for one quart of water. The dosage is doubled for cloudy water.

Iodine -
Ordinary Household Iodine may be used to purify small quantities of water. Add 2-3 drops of Tincture Of Iodine to each quart of clear water (8-10 for cloudy water). Mix & allow to stand for 30 minutes.

Be careful mixing vinegar with bleach. Vinegar is acetic acid and if you mix acidic products with bleach it may liberate chlorine gas which can be irritating to the respiratory tract and even dangerous. It's never a good thing to mix chemicals. Also chlorine tablets are better than liquid bleach. Chlorine tablets are easier to mix with water to gain the correct dilution and also they are safer as they are not corrosive. Anyone seeking further guidance can email andrew@anubishealthcare.com

OK I see what you are saying. Just be careful. If you can get chlorine tablets instead of liquid bleach it also costs less to achieve the result you want and they are safer. Vinegar (acetic acid) is also a good and very inexpensive way of sanitising just don't mix the two together as it won't make that much difference anyway.

Hello friends,

Something I read during Y2K, have no idea where a link to this information is located; when filling soda bottles with water and treating them, be sure to fill completely to the top. With no air in the container, there is less chance of contaminants/spoilage. Of course, you can't freeze a completely full bottle; those you'd need air room for frozen expansion.

Hello Everyone, I have been away for a period of time and only looked in on the forum periodically. Glad to say, in my opinion it gets better all the time. I hope to share some information within my permitted limits. The information on bleach is vital. Halogens are, extremely effective and YES as you pointed out DANGEROUS. In Medical practice the solution called "DAKIN'S" is still used by the Military. Do a GOOGLE search and you will see it's origin in World War I. As a Surgeon I found it so very effective when newer agents failed. It can be used as a spray on objects and a "repel" agent. I hope I have not posted this and insulted someone who already did. Apologies given. Face masks will also be opined by me soon. But as so many have stated "Common Sense" and social avoidance is first. I have a large body of experience with Laser Masks and Filtration equipment. Viral fragments during Laser ablation require 0.01micron security. Buffalo Filter made Plume Evacuators to deal with this size . That was in the early 1980's. Their VIROSAFE masks only protected to 0.1micron. That was not effective and they only fit like a regular surgical mask-poorly! I am not myself since one of my two Chesapeake Retrievers had to be sent to Heaven. Molly was less than 7 years old and sustained Rod/Cone Apotosis after a Leptosporosis Vaccine innoculation. Lepto is a non-core vaccine and I blame myself for letting the Veterinarian administer it. Believe me I have spoken to folks around the world and it is my fault. Part of my heart feels as though it was cut out. She was the BEST. Enough of my whining. Lastly take a look into something you will sooner rather than later hear- THE OMEGA ALERT/PROTOCOL. It will replace all the "Fruit Salad" Alert/Protocols you see and hear. Actually New York City has had a form since before 9/11- and that was only a warm up! Those who do not take heed and prepare for what is coming will learn that, "All that is left is the weeping and gnashing of teeth." (unk.)-Respectfully, JJD