Sodium Hypochlorite use, storage and longevity

Sodium Hypochlorite use, storage and longevity

Sodium hypochlorite is a clear, slightly yellowish solution with a characteristic odour.  Concentrated solutions like we use for cleaning (approximately 12.5%) have a pH of about 13.

Sodium hypochlorite works by removing electrons from the outer shell of the atoms of living organisms, destabilizing the structure until the organism is dead making it one of the easiest things for removing organic material off the target surface when pressure washing or soft washing in Canada.

Sodium hypochlorite is unstable and easily decomposes, liberating toxic chlorine gas, which is the active principle of such products. Chlorine evaporates at a rate of 0.75 gram per day of active chlorine from solution, which with normal ventilation isn’t a concern.

Sodium hypochlorite has a relatively short shelf life. The enemy of SH is sunlight, temperature, and off gassing from open containers or vibration. Increases in any of these, reduce the concentration of SH. These characteristics must be kept in mind during transport, storage and use.

Longer term Sodium hypochlorite storage needs to be at temperatures below 68 F (20 C) in opaque air-tight bottles and out of sunlight.  Interestingly, the higher the concentration, the faster the chemical breaks down, however as it loses strength it becomes more stable. Following this, from the point of sale, SH should stay in respectable strengths for pressure washing for 3 to 6 months.

Sodium hypochlorite disintegrates if it contacts acids or certain metals creating flammable hydrogen gas or poisonous chlorine gas.

Apple Wash, Apple Boost, Dragon Grip and Agent Green were designed specifically for use with Sodium Hypochlorite.

EBC Glide and EBC Degreaser are compatible and will not react negatively with SH.