Bleach: how to properly disinfect the house during coronavirus?

Tout le monde connaît l'eau de Javel, ce produit désinfectant qu'on a toutes utilisé au moins une fois ! Appréciée pour son action blanchissante, elle sait redonner de l'éclat à un linge blanc devenu gris ou enlever une tâche tenace comme du sang, par exemple, en un rien de temps. Mais attention, pour le linge, l'eau de Javel peut aussi faire des dégâts notamment sur les tissus de couleurs qu'elle décolore ou tâche de manière irrémédiable. À base de chlore, l'eau de Javel est désinfectante et capable d'éliminer sans pitié les bactéries et la majorité des micro-organismes. Dernièrement, l'OMS a reconnu son efficacité contre le coronavirus pour désinfecter la plupart des surfaces, notamment dans la maison. Utile et dangereuse à la fois, comment s'en servir sans prendre de risques ?

How do I disinfect our surfaces with bleach?

If the virus is transmitted mainly through direct contact between humans, the WHO explained that the Covid-19 can survive for several hours on certain inert materials such as metal, plastic, cardboard... in order to protect itself from it and to clean up our interior, we start by cleaning up, as usual. Bleach is not a cleaning product. Then comes the time to disinfect with bleach, on an impregnated sponge, the door handles, switches, toilets, washbasins, kitchen table, baby pot, upper chair... In short, all the elements in frequent contact with our hands. Bleach cleaners and wipes are also effective. Alcohol (starting at 70 °C) is a suitable alternative for disinfecting and suppressing coronavirus especially on screens, tablets, smartphones (to be switched off beforehand): just pass a soft and clean cloth impregnated. White vinegar, on the other hand, is not effective against coronavirus.

Good to know: it is best to rinse surfaces disinfected with bleach with clear water and it is essential to do so if these surfaces (such as tablecloths, bins in our refrigerator, tables, kitchen utensils...) Are in direct contact with food. We also rinse all equipment in contact with the smaller ones.

Bleach precautions

A powerful disinfectant, bleach is capable of suppressing any bacteria, good or bad. Bleach is a highly toxic and harmful product that can be dangerous to our health and the environment. It should not be used lightly, as it can cause severe burns to the skin and eyes, and its frequently inhaled odour is not without risks to our lungs.

Before using bleach, read the use and storage instructions on the package. Pure bleach (such as beringots) is always diluted at the rate of one volume of bleach for every nine volumes of water. Another possible dosage indicated by the US Health Agency is four teaspoons of bleach for 1 litre of water. Bleach is never mixed with an acid (such as vinegar). Finally, when using it, we always put on gloves and wear aprons and glasses to protect our clothes and our eyes from possible splashes.

A feeling of burning or breathing discomfort after using bleach? You Don't hesitate to see your doctor. And of course, we keep our bleach bottle (or lozenges) away from the kids. We put them in a closet that's impossible for the little ones to reach. If swallowed, the person should not vomit, rinse his or her mouth, and immediately contact the poison control centre.