How Does Clorox Bleach Work?

Bleach Changes the Color of Stains

The main use for bleach is in whitening fabrics. Bleach works to alter the color of a stain and thereby make a fabric look as if the stain has been removed. It works in a similar way as rust remover, which truly changes the color of the rust and doesn't actually remove the rust stain.

Changing the Molecule

An oxidizing bleach like Clorox works by breaking the bonds in a stain. The bonds are called chromophore and are the particles that make up color. After bleach breaks up the bonds of chromophore, the molecule changes so that it appears as if there is either no color at all or the color is no longer visible. Oxidizing bleaches add oxygen to a stain, which changes the appearance of the stain and lightens the color.

Clorox as a Disinfectant

Bleach is also used in cleaning because it can kill bacteria, algae and just about anything that it comes it contact with. This makes it difficult for germs to survive in an area that has been treated with Clorox.

Resources

• Ask a Scientist: How does bleach work?