Detailed Steps for Disinfection with 1% Sodium Hypochlorite
For proper disinfection with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution, follow these specific steps to ensure effective decontamination while maintaining safety.
Preparation of 1% Sodium Hypochlorite Solution
- 1% sodium hypochlorite solution can be prepared by diluting household bleach (typically 5.25% sodium hypochlorite) at a 1:5 ratio (1 part bleach to 4 parts water) 1
- Prepare fresh solutions within 24 hours of use as sodium hypochlorite degrades over time, reducing its effectiveness 1, 2
- Use clean containers for mixing and ensure they are made of appropriate materials (plastic rather than metal) to avoid corrosion 3
- Mix in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhalation of fumes 1
Safety Precautions Before Disinfection
- Put on appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves and protective eyewear 4
- Ensure adequate ventilation in the area where disinfection will take place 1
- Never mix sodium hypochlorite with other cleaning products, especially those containing ammonia, as this can create toxic gases 1
- Keep the solution away from direct sunlight as this accelerates degradation 3
Surface Preparation
- Remove visible organic material (blood, body fluids, dirt) from the surface before applying the disinfectant 4, 1
- For blood spills, first absorb the blood with disposable absorbent material and discard in appropriate containers 4
- Clean the surface with water and detergent to remove remaining organic matter 1
- Allow the surface to dry before applying the sodium hypochlorite solution 4
Application Process
- Apply the 1% sodium hypochlorite solution to the pre-cleaned surface using a cloth or paper towels moderately wetted with the solution 4
- Ensure complete coverage of the surface area requiring disinfection 4
- Allow the solution to remain on the surface for at least 5 minutes to ensure adequate contact time for effective disinfection 1
- For surfaces with high organic load or in cases of blood spills, a longer contact time (10 minutes) may be necessary 5
Post-Disinfection Steps
- After the appropriate contact time, rinse surfaces with clean water if they will come into contact with skin, food, or sensitive equipment 4
- Allow the surface to air dry completely 4
- Properly dispose of used materials and PPE according to facility protocols 4
- Wash hands thoroughly after completing the disinfection process 4
Special Considerations
- For metal surfaces, limit contact time to prevent corrosion and rinse thoroughly with water after disinfection 1
- For porous surfaces, 1% sodium hypochlorite may not be fully effective; consider using a higher concentration (5,000-10,000 ppm) as recommended for blood spills 4, 1
- In healthcare settings, follow specific institutional protocols which may require different concentrations based on the contamination level 4
- For disinfection of medical equipment, check manufacturer recommendations as sodium hypochlorite may damage certain materials 1