Apr292010
17 Comments
INSTANT SURVIVAL TIP: Watch that bleach!
Did you know that bleach has a shelf life of only sixteen months? In fact, it begins losing its’ effectiveness after about half that time.
image by Pierre LaScott
If you’re storing bleach as a water purifier, be sure to rotate it. When you get a new bottle, write the expiration date on the outside of the bottle. If you don’t see an expiration date, use the purchase date. We don’t usually think of expiration dates with the non-edibles in our storage, but with bleach, it’s a must!
Oh, and don’t store a bleach bottle on its’ side. I have white stains on my tan carpet to prove that’s not a good idea!
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Red Icculus
Just buy powdered pool shock at wal-mart. It makes several times the strength and lasts magnitudes more.
TheSurvivalMom
Red, be careful with this. I've been researching the safety of pool water for drinking, and it turns out that pool chlorine contains a stabilizer that is dangerous to humans. Because chlorine dissipates so rapidly, the stabilizer is added to help the chlorine last longer. See if you can find out whether or not your pool shock contains any stabilizer before putting it in drinking water.
Red Icculus
Just make sure you are buying stuff without cyanuric acid, or just do a search for "non-stabilized pool shock". It can provide clean water for your family of 4 for 5 years.
Kathy
also be careful of the heat it will make it lose it effectivness fast also
Jacqueline Acevedo
Interesting. I wonder if the powdered bleach would have the same situation. You know, the one used for pools, etc…8-)
Donna
If you store it for more than about 5+ years, use it or throw it out. It eventually eats through those flimsy containers. Had some do exactly that a few years ago that had been stored for y2k. Indoors, unheated, cool room, never disturbed. It does more than bleach, it's an acid that eats through metal and fabric, as we found out. Think Chernobyl.
Josh
Good info, keep up the good work.
Gypsy Gram
Thanks for a great web site! Just as a side note as far as having stored water on hand and to give a hint on how fast things disintegrate, ck out the video from Boston on May 1st, after a water main break. Be prepared! http://www.thebostonchannel.com/video/23399070/in…
Gypsy Gram
Thanks for a great web site! Just as a side note as far as having stored water on hand and to give a hint on how fast things disintegrate, ck out the video from Boston on May 1st, after a water main break. Be prepared!
Tess P.
Since bleach usually lasts for 6 months, many preppers are starting to store Granular Calcium Hypochlorite or pool shocker instead of bleach. Pool shocker granules last for 20 years, which is much longer than a bottle of bleach. I found this article very helpful on this subject:
http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/better-tha…
TheSurvivalMom
Tess, I've heard a lot about this but haven't purchased it yet myself. I know that a couple of my bottles of bleach are nearing their end of their shelf lives. Thanks for providing the link for more info.
Dayna
How do you dispose of expired bleach?
TheSurvivalMom
I would start using it right around its expiration date, but bleach is mostly chlorine, so it would be fine to pour it down the sink, bathtub, or toilet. Check out http://www.clorox.com for lots of ideas for using up that bleach.
LizLong
I don't normally use bleach much. I think I will give it to a local battered women's shelter if we're getting near the expiration date. They will certainly be able to use it and it will save them some money on supplies.
newtoyoursite
When my bleach gets near its expiration date I pour a cup or two down every drain in the house. It seem to help clear any "residue" in the pipes and keeps my drains clear. It real helps keep the garbage disposal smelling fresh. Don't forget the drain in the basement floor too, it keeps sewer smells out.
Liz Long
But do NOT do this if you have septic! It will kill off all the good bacteria you need. My dh regularly adds extra good bacteria just to make sure it all stays good.
TheSurvivalMom
I'm glad you find my blog, and thanks for the comments! Your bleach comment reminded me that I have an old bottle of bleach out in the garage that needs to be emptied!