Bleach FAQs

Surprisingly for a product that's been around for such a long time, there are still a lot of questions about bleach. The following is a collection of answers to the most commonly-asked of those questions.

What is bleach and how does it work?

The word 'bleach' refers to the substance based on chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) that was first discovered to have bleaching properties in 1787. Since then, this word has become used for any chemical with similar whitening properties.

White King's bleach-based range of cleaning products uses this active chemical, sodium hypochlorite - the same chemical that makes swimming pools clean enough to swim in.

How does bleach work?

As it encounters dirt and germs, the sodium hypochlorite in bleach starts decomposing the actual organic molecules that make up stains and odours. But while it's doing this, the bleach is also breaking down into harmless substances.

If bleach rapidly breaks down while it is being used, how can it work properly?

Bleach only needs relatively short amounts of time to be effective. So even though some of the bleach is becoming inactivated by the stains it's cleaning, there will always be an amount of bleach left for long enough to do its job thoroughly.

Does bleach do anything to skin?

With any prolonged use of bleach (diluted or undiluted) for any extended period, it is advised to use gloves, even for people without sensitive skin. This is largely to avoid making the hands smell, but prolonged or frequent exposure to bleach will also dry out the skin, which can result in irritation.

Bleach is a disinfectant. How is that different compared to products labelled ‘antibacterial’?

White King Bleach products - many of which are either hospital or household-grade disinfectants - disinfect by killing a broad variety of bacteria, including Salmonella and Staph. on hard surfaces. While antibacterial products contain ingredients that kill bacteria on skin, they are not formulated to eradicate many other germs.

Bleach needs to be in contact with a surface long enough to be effective - usually at least five to ten minutes, depending on the surface and the job.

What safety directions should I follow when using a bleach-based product?

Always ensure adequate ventilation and do not mix with detergents or other chemicals, especially ammonia or any product containing ammonia. The fumes are toxic and can make you very sick in a very short period of time. If you're in doubt, don't mix any product with bleach. And always follow packaging directions.

Wash hands immediately after use, store White King products at or below 25oC and always follow the directions on the packaging.

How can I test if a fabric is colour-fast before I use a White King, bleach-based product?

You can use White King confidently on all whites and colourfast fabrics. Generally, modern fabrics are colourfast, but if you are unsure, test a hidden part of the article in a mixture of 1/3 cup White King for 2/3 cup of water for 3 to 5 minutes. Use White King if no colour change occurs.

However, always refer to manufacturers’ instructions on clothing. White King should not be used on silk, wool, viscose, rayon, Tencel, leather, acetates and drip-dry fabrics.

How much White King bleach should be used?

White King bleach can be used directly on most toilets, drains and sinks. For all-purpose cleaning, it can be diluted for floors and work surfaces. The correct dosage for each product and purpose appears on each White King pack label.

Can White King bleach be used on food surfaces?

In diluted use, White King bleach provides the perfect solution for cleaning work surfaces that are not in direct contact with food. Wipe thoroughly afterward with a clean, wet cloth, then dry well.

Do not use on any surfaces in direct contact with food, nor on bare steel, silver, aluminium, unpainted metal, or worn or chipped enamel baths and basins.

Where can I find specific information about products in the White King range?

More detailed features and benefits about individual White King products can be found here.

(Always use only as directed. Refer to directions on packaging at all times.)