Bleach usually refers to household chlorine bleach, which is a 5% solution of sodium hypochlorite. It is inexpensive and effective against most common disease-causing agents and some parasites. However, its disinfectant capabilities are inactivated in the presence of organic matter such as dirt, leaves and manure/feces, so surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned before disinfecting.
Caution: bleach can irritate skin and eyes and can cause dangerous reactions if combined with other chemicals.
To kill most disease-causing viruses and bacteria, use one part of 5% bleach to 20 parts of water (1 ounce bleach per 20 ounces water, or roughly 6 ounces of bleach to 1 gallon of water); wipe the solution on the clean surface to be disinfected and let it dry. To kill more resistant pathogens such as parasites, use straight bleach or a 1:1 dilution with great care.
