How We Make Sure Our Disinfectants Are Used Properly

Earning the trust of our customers starts with the safety of our products. In fact, one of the main reasons leading health authorities count on Clorox® Regular Bleach and other Clorox disinfecting products for some of their most critical challenges is the proven safety of our disinfectants.

For example, when it comes to fighting the spread of disease globally, governments and aid organizations turn to bleach time and again to help provide safe drinking water and help prevent hospital infections. And to help affected communities during disaster relief –including after Hurricanes Harvey, Florence and Katrina–the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that bleach is used to guarantee safe drinking water. And many Clorox disinfecting products appear on US EPA’s list of products effective against the virus that causes COVID-19.

We extensively test all of our products for human and environmental safety. But for us, safety goes beyond what’s inside the bottle. That’s because once our disinfectants are proven safe to use, it’s our responsibility to make sure everyone knows how to use them safely, including providing information about what might be improper uses of a product and how to avoid them.

Key messages for safe use of disinfectants:

• Follow the label directions to ensure safe and effective use
• Use and store chemicals out of the reach of children and pets
• Never mix products, unless specified by the label directions. Certain combinations of chemicals can create toxic acids or gases.
• Dilute concentrate products only with water, unless otherwise specified on the label
• Do not eat, drink or inject cleaning or disinfecting products into your body. Do not wipe or bathe pets with disinfecting products.

The best place for the consumer to find information on safe and effective use of the product can be found on the product’s label. Always read and follow label directions for proper use. For example, precautionary text on the label is tailored for the each cleaning or disinfecting product. Some products are not considered chemical hazards and do not have these precautions, but most do. General precautions include statements to keep away from children or pets. However, other hazard may be specific to the product. Some products may recommend that skin or eye protection or to use adequate ventilation. We’ve also provided child-proof caps and user guidelines where appropriate. Contact Clorox via social media, the internet or using the number on the product label if you have questions about how to use a product. The product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides additional safety information, but this information is tailored for first responders and workplace employees. See information on Clorox SDSs for additional information. 

For professionals who use our products frequently and on a larger scale –such as hospital and school staff or office building janitors –we have active training programs that help them learn the best ways to effectively apply disinfectants to help kill 99.9% of dangerous germs like bacteria and viruses.

From homes to hospitals, we want to make sure everyone who uses our products to disinfect surfaces and equipment knows exactly how to use them properly and effectively. Clorox® bleach has been used for more than 100 years, and it’s up to us for our history of safety to continue.