Bleach Dilution Calculator
Calculate proper bleach to water ratios for disinfection, cleaning, and sanitization
Calculate Bleach Dilution
Safety Precautions
- • Always add bleach to water, never water to bleach
- • Use in well-ventilated areas
- • Wear gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing
- • Never mix bleach with other cleaners, ammonia, or acids
- • Read product labels and follow manufacturer instructions
Typical household bleach is 5.25-6%
Target chlorine concentration for disinfection
Total volume of solution to prepare
Common Applications (Quick Presets)
Dilution Results
Calculation Details
Formula: Bleach Volume = (Desired ppm × Volume L × 0.00105) × (100 ÷ Bleach %)
Calculation: Bleach needed = (0 ppm × 0 L × 0.00105) × (100 / 5.25%) = 0.00 mL
Dilution ratio: (Bleach:Total volume)
Safety reminder: Always add bleach to water, never the reverse
Application: Surface disinfection
Example Calculation
Surface Disinfection Example
Problem: How much 5.25% bleach is needed to make 1 gallon of 200 ppm disinfectant solution?
Given: Bleach concentration = 5.25%, Desired concentration = 200 ppm, Volume = 1 gallon (3.785 L)
Find: Volume of bleach needed
Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1: Apply formula: Bleach Volume = (200 ppm × 3.785 L × 0.00105) × (100 ÷ 5.25%)
Step 2: Calculate: Bleach Volume = (0.7949) × (19.048) = 15.14 mL
Step 3: Water needed: 3785 mL - 15.14 mL = 3769.86 mL
Step 4: Dilution ratio: 3785 ÷ 15.14 = 1:250 (mild strength)
Answer: Add 15.14 mL of 5.25% bleach to 3769.86 mL of water
Dilution Strength Guide
Common Applications
Safety Guidelines
Never Mix With
- • Ammonia or ammonia-based cleaners
- • Rubbing alcohol
- • Vinegar or acidic cleaners
- • Hydrogen peroxide
Protective Equipment
- • Chemical-resistant gloves
- • Eye protection/goggles
- • Long sleeves and pants
- • Good ventilation
Storage & Handling
- • Store in cool, dry place
- • Keep away from children
- • Use within 24 hours of mixing
- • Label all containers clearly
Understanding Bleach Dilution
How Bleach Works
Household bleach contains sodium hypochlorite, which releases chlorine when dissolved in water. This chlorine is the active disinfecting agent that destroys bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens by disrupting their cellular structure.
Why Proper Dilution Matters
- •Too strong: Can damage surfaces and be harmful to health
- •Too weak: May not effectively kill pathogens
- •Proper ratio ensures maximum effectiveness with minimal risk
- •Cost-effective use of bleach supplies
Types of Bleach
Regular Household Bleach
5.25-6% sodium hypochlorite
Most common type for cleaning
Ultra Bleach
8.25% sodium hypochlorite
Concentrated formula
Germicidal Bleach
1% sodium hypochlorite
For water treatment
Contact Time
For effective disinfection, the bleach solution must remain in contact with the surface for the appropriate time:
- • General surfaces: 30 seconds to 1 minute
- • Food contact surfaces: 2 minutes
- • Healthcare settings: 1-10 minutes