How to Use Chlorine Test Strips

Chlorine test strips are used to test the strength of chlorine(bleach)in a liquid or on a surface that has just been submerged in a chlorine liquid. Chlorine test strips are commonly used in restaurants, hospitals, and other institutions where food is prepared for the general public. Testing ensures that surfaces and dishes are being adequately sanitized. You can also use chlorine test strips for swimming pools and spas to ensure chlorine levels are proper.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chlorine test papers
• Liquid to be tested
• Chlorine color chart (p.p.m.)

1. Ensure your fingers are dry before removing a test paper from the container. Take out a test paper and dip into solution to be tested.
   Do not swirl or agitate the solution in anyway. You do not need to submerge the whole test strip.

2. It only takes a second and you should see the strip change a shade of blue. Immediately compare the strip color to the color chart (located on the test container). You should see a light blue 10 p.p.m, blue 50 p.p.m., medium blue 100 p.p.m., and dark blue 200 p.p.m.

3. If you are using a towel to sanitize work surfaces you should be at 100 p.p.m. An automatic dishwasher should read at 50 p.p.m. If you are using a three system wash by hand, your sanitizer strength should equal 100 p.p.m. to ensure dishes are sanitized properly.

4. 100 p.p.m is easily achieved by mixing 1 teaspoon of household bleach (non-scented) for every quart of water.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not store your test strips in sunlight or areas of high humidity.

[SharonJeanne]

on 2/5/2009 Great information and easy to follow steps. 5*!

[promax]

on 2/3/2009 Good Information. 5*