What is household bleach primarily composed of?

Household bleach is primarily composed of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, which is a strong oxidizing agent known for its disinfecting and bleaching properties. Sodium hypochlorite works effectively to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it a popular choice for cleaning purposes in homes. This concentration is commonly found in many household bleach products and is suitable for various cleaning tasks, including laundry and surface disinfection.

Other options like hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, and iodine solution are used for different purposes; hydrogen peroxide is often utilized for disinfecting and is typically found at concentrations around 3% in household products, while ethanol is commonly found in hand sanitizers and disinfectants at higher concentrations. Iodine solutions serve primarily as antiseptics and are not used in the same way as household bleach. Understanding the specific composition and use of each chemical helps clarify why sodium hypochlorite is the primary component in household bleach.