Sodium hypochlorite facts for kids
Sodium hypochlorite is a special chemical compound. It's made from two parts: sodium and a group of atoms called hypochlorite ions. Even though it's a bit unstable on its own, it becomes very stable when it's mixed with water to make a solution.
This chemical looks like a light green liquid. Its chemical formula is NaClO, which you can also write as NaOCl. Sodium hypochlorite is a very strong oxidizing agent. This means it reacts strongly with other substances, often by taking electrons from them.
People use sodium hypochlorite for two main things: to clean and kill germs (this is called disinfecting) and to remove stains from clothes (this is called bleaching).
How it Works
Sodium hypochlorite is great at killing tiny living things like bacteria and viruses. That's why it's used in many cleaning products. When it comes to clothes, it can make stains disappear. However, you have to be careful with it, especially with cotton fabrics.
Bleaching Clothes
When you use sodium hypochlorite on clothes, it works as a powerful bleach. It breaks down the things that cause stains, making them invisible or washing them away. But, many bleach products that contain sodium hypochlorite also have another chemical called sodium hydroxide. This sodium hydroxide can be harsh on cotton fibers, making them weaker over time. So, it's not the best choice for all your cotton clothes.
Mixing with Acids
It's very important to know that sodium hypochlorite reacts strongly with acids. If you mix it with an acid, it can produce chlorine gas. Chlorine gas is dangerous and can be very harmful if you breathe it in. This is why you should never mix bleach with other cleaning products unless you are sure it is safe. Always read the labels carefully!
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Images for kids
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Bleach packaged for household use, with 2.6% sodium hypochlorite
