Bleach

There are many things that are helpful to add to your storage that aren't food. Bleach is an item that has a multitude of uses beyond making your whites whiter. It is inexpensive and effective. Just be careful not to splash!

1. As a drinking water disinfectant: In an emergency, bleach can be used to disintect drinking water, but remember: while bleach is a good disinfectants for the most common water contaminant (bacteria), studies have shown it is not effective against certain contaminants in water such as toxic chemicals, heavy metals, Cryptosporidia , and Giardia. Use 1/8 teaspoon unscented bleach (8 drops) per gallon of water.

2. But don't use bleach bottles for water storage: Many chlorine bleach bottles contain an anti-static agent which prevents accumulation of dust during storage and are therefore not recommended for water storage.

3. In the bathroom: Bleach as a bathroom disinfectant, mildew killer: Mix ½ bleach and ½ water to make a cleaning solution for cleaning tub, counters, plastic shower curtain liner, shower doors, around the toliet, and mildew on walls and other bathroom surfaces. Add one cup bleach to toilet bowl, let sit for 30 minutes, swish and flush.

4. In the garden: Undiluted bleach will kill weeds, moss, and algae in your yard.
5. In the kitchen: Mix ¼ bleach and ¾ water to use for kitchen cleaning solution. To make your porcelian sink shine, pour 2-4 cups bleach into sink, add hot water to fill, and let soak for 1/2 hour. Pour bleach down your garbage disposal, run hot water with the disposal turned on for a minute.

6. As a bouquet preserver: Add 1/4 teaspoon bleach to vase to make a mixture for your cut flower to make them last longer. Some recipes call for 1/4 teaspoon bleach and 1/2 teaspoon sugar.

7. As a glassware cleaner: Brighten drinking glasses by adding ¼ bleach in warm soapy water, let them soak for 15 minutes, then wash them as usual.

8. In your yard: Clean plastic lawn furniture by mixing ½ bleach and ½ water in a spraying bottle and spray them

down, rinse well.

9. When you're sick: Sore throat relief by mixing 2-3 drops of bleach with a 16 oz of warm water, then gargle until the glass is empty.

10. After camping: Deodorize coolers and thermos bottles by filling with bleach and water, let sit. Wash and rinse.

11· Steam clean your microwave: Clean your microwave oven with 1/4 cup bleach mixed with 3/4 cups water. Bring to boil and let sit for several minutes. Wipe down microwave.

12. Odor control: Disinfect your garbage cans by washing with a solution made from three-quarter cup Clorox bleach to one gallon water. Let stand for five minutes, then rinse clean.

13. Cutting boards: Clean butcher blocks and cutting boards to prevent bacteria from breeding. Wash the cutting board with hot, sudsy water and rinse clean. Then apply a solution of three tablespoons Clorox bleach per gallon of water in your kitchen sink. Soak for 30 minutes, then rinse clean.

14. In the garden: Make a weather cap. Cut off the bottom of an empty, clean Clorox bleach jug and place the jug over seedlings. Take the cap off during the day, and replace the cap at night. To anchor these hot caps, simply cut off the top of the handle, insert a sharp stick, and drive the stick into the ground.

15. For household projects: Make a paint bucket. Cut a hole in the side of an empty, clean Clorox bleach jug opposite the handle.