Biodegradable Cleaning Solutions

For this blog we will be talking about the most widely used product in exterior cleaning. The facts talked about here will go to show why this is.

The most common product utilized in the exterior cleaning industry is bleach, a cleaning agent for tackling tough outdoor growth such as mold and mildew. What happens to bleach after it's been used for exterior cleaning? Let's explore how bleach breaks down, what it converts into, and how long this natural process takes.

1. Dilution:

When bleach is applied, it starts reacting with everything it touches. When using bleach for cleaning, it gets significantly diluted and begins to revert back to salt and water.

2. Sunlight and Air Exposure:

Exposure to sunlight and air plays a vital role in the breakdown of bleach. Bleach contains active chlorine molecules that degrade when exposed to UV radiation from the sun. This photodegradation process causes the chlorine to become less potent and less harmful over time. The time it takes for this breakdown can vary depending on factors like sunlight intensity and temperature but generally occurs over a span of several hours to a few days.

3. Chemical Reactions:

Bleach can also undergo chemical reactions with other compounds present in the environment. For example, it may react with organic matter, such as leaves or soil, forming less harmful compounds. The speed of these reactions depends on the specific environmental conditions.

4. Evaporation:

In some cases, especially when bleach is used in more concentrated forms or smaller quantities, it can evaporate into the air. However, this evaporation process is relatively slow and may take several hours to a day or more.

Environmental Impact:

When bleach is used according to specific cleaning guidelines, bleach is generally considered safe for the environment. The levels of bleach used in exterior cleaning are not expected to cause significant harm to aquatic ecosystems or soil quality. However, irresponsible use, allowing undiluted bleach to enter natural water sources can have adverse effects.

Responsible Use:

To minimize the environmental impact of bleach use in exterior cleaning:

1. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dilution and use.

2. Use only the amount of bleach necessary for the cleaning task.

3. Prevent bleach runoff from entering storm drains or natural water bodies.

4. Consider eco-friendly cleaning alternatives for less stubborn cleaning tasks.

5. Mask electrical components from contact with cleaning solution.

   
   

Bleach naturally reverts back to salt and water through processes such as dilution, photodegradation, chemical reactions, evaporation, and biodegradation. These factors make bleach a great candidate for some of your outdoor surfaces. The time it takes for these processes to occur varies, but they generally span from hours to several days. Responsible use and disposal practices are essential to minimize environmental impact and protect our ecosystems.