Does Bleach Freeze?

Does Bleach Freeze?

Bleach is a household name that depicts a solution of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite in water. It is usually called chlorine or liquid bleach. There is another form of bleach known for being oxygen-based or peroxide. Apart from being used to remove stains or disinfection. It can also be used to shock a pool apart from being used to remove stains or disinfection.

Types of bleach

Do you know that we have different types of bleach? They are;

  • Oxygen based bleach which has peroxide releasing compounds such as sodium perborate or sodium percarbonate or hydrogen peroxide
  • Bleaching powder which is bleach in a powdery form known as calcium hypochlorite
  • Chlorine-based bleach which is made of sodium hypochlorite

Other forms of bleaching chemicals include Bromate chlorine dioxide, sodium per silicate, lithium and potassium analogs, sodium pyrophosphate, organic peroxide, sodium persulfate, carbamide peroxide, and ammonium.

How does bleach work?

When you apply bleach to your water, the oxidizing properties of the bleach break down the chemical bond of the chromophore, meaning the molecules lose whatever color it has or takes on the color of the surface it is on. The bleach changes the unit’s double bonds, altering the properties of the molecule to make it achromatic.

At what temperature does bleach freeze?

Due to the chemical properties of bleach, it can easily freeze if left outside for long during the cold period. While there are different types of bleach, each has its freezing point.

The determinant for the freezing point of bleach is the chlorine content of the different types. 

For instance, the bleach freezing point of liquid bleach is usually around 19 degrees Fahrenheit, but it may not bleach inside a protective container.

The freezing point for the different kinds of bleach includes; The freezing point for the different kinds of bleach includes;

  • If it contains 10 percent sodium hypochlorite, the bleach would freeze at 7 degrees Fahrenheit
  • If the bleach has 5 percent sodium hypochlorite it will begin to freeze at 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • As for pure chlorine, its freezing point is – 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, the freezing point of bleach depends on chlorine content.

Optimize your bleach life

For your bleach to remain active over a period, you would have to store it properly away from any hot or freezing condition. That means you would have to save the product inside a cabinet at home.

The cabinet has to have stable room temperature for it to avoid freezing overnight. You need to turn your liquid bleach into an opaque container to avoid direct contact with sunlight, or else it will degrade.

Like other dangerous materials, ensure it is properly stored away from the reach of kids and pets.  You should also keep it away from all your household equipment and cleaning item because it reacts negatively with some of these items leading to them producing fumes.

How long will the bleach last?

The life span for a bottle of bleach is usually written on its label but asides that your bottle of bleach can last actively for six to nine months if stored properly.


You should find out the chlorine content of your bleach to make sure it is stored properly.

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