Disinfection with Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)

Advantages

Limitations

  •  Least expensive and most readily available disinfectant
  • Easy to prepare and use
  • Quickly inactivates and kills all viruses
  • Very useful for disinfecting soiled surgical instruments, gloves and other items and large surface areas
  •  Inactivated by organic matter
  • Loses potency on standing if left in open container (replace at least daily)
  • May corrode metal instruments with prolonged exposure (>20 minutes) to concentrations greater than 0.5