Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
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    Default Long-term storage of bleach/disinfectants

    We don't use much bleach from day-to-day, and as such, don't keep a large amount on hand, because of it's relatively short shelf life.

    I've looked at tablets as well. They claim a 2 year shelf life, but labels also say ""not for disinfection or sanitization".

    Is there a product that will sanitize as good as bleach and still be effective if it's been in my stores (unopened) for 4-6 years (or more)?
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  2. #2
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    Default Re: Long-term storage of bleach/disinfectants

    Alcohol.
    How can you have any cookies if you don't drink your milk?

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Long-term storage of bleach/disinfectants

    Quote Originally Posted by Berncly View Post
    Alcohol.
    I bought a bunch about 7 years ago. Finally got down to my last bottle
    last week. It felt like it was going to explode, the bottle was really bloated
    as was the peroxide next to it. They were stored in my closet, room temp.
    Strange
    I gave them to my mom so she can make hand sanitizer.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Long-term storage of bleach/disinfectants

    Quote Originally Posted by Berncly View Post
    Alcohol.
    Given CDC data of effectivity of different disinfectants, typical shelf price, and dilution differences, I may be just as far ahead to keep 2 gallons of bleach on hand and throw one away and replace every year, then still keep some alcohol as a back-up plan.
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  5. #5
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    Default Re: Long-term storage of bleach/disinfectants

    Quote Originally Posted by gnbrotz View Post
    Given CDC data of effectivity of different disinfectants, typical shelf price, and dilution differences, I may be just as far ahead to keep 2 gallons of bleach on hand and throw one away and replace every year, then still keep some alcohol as a back-up plan.
    At a buck or less per gallon, that sounds like the way to vo.
    It is difficult to free fools from the chains they revere. Voltaire

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Long-term storage of bleach/disinfectants

    I've got a 5 gallon bucket of Bromine tablets. They are used specifically for the hot tub, but I figure they will do for water purification if needed.

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Long-term storage of bleach/disinfectants

    Quote Originally Posted by gnbrotz View Post
    Given CDC data of effectivity of different disinfectants, typical shelf price, and dilution differences, I may be just as far ahead to keep 2 gallons of bleach on hand and throw one away and replace every year, then still keep some alcohol as a back-up plan.
    I don't have any problem with bleach, I like it and always keep a few gallons around, it's versatile and can be used as a surface disinfectant and a water purifier.
    But specific to your question in the OP, bleach loses potency over time, and you can't beat alcohol for shoving in a closet and then using it 10 years later or indefinitely.
    As long as it's sealed properly it should outlive you and still be potent when opened.
    How can you have any cookies if you don't drink your milk?

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Long-term storage of bleach/disinfectants

    Absolutely agree on all points. The only things is that when you need an extra gallon of effective disinfectant, and you have both at full potency, it takes a whole lot more alcohol than bleach.

    I guess as my 'preparations' get deeper and wider, I'm finding there are things I want to add that will take some ongoing mindfulness to replace now and then, rather than just laying in and forgeting about until needed (like TP).

    I'm still curious why chlorine tablets carry the warning about NOT using for sanitizing and disinfecting.

    Some chlorine test strips might not be a bad idea to have oh hand as well. With those, you could accurately assess potential degradation over time, but still use at a decreased dilution to take account for that.
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  9. #9
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    Default Re: Long-term storage of bleach/disinfectants

    Quote Originally Posted by gnbrotz View Post
    We don't use much bleach from day-to-day, and as such, don't keep a large amount on hand, because of it's relatively short shelf life.

    I've looked at tablets as well. They claim a 2 year shelf life, but labels also say ""not for disinfection or sanitization".

    Is there a product that will sanitize as good as bleach and still be effective if it's been in my stores (unopened) for 4-6 years (or more)?

    I simply buy 2 of the 5 pack Clorox wipes at Costco as I use them. That way they're in rotation and little chance of them drying out. Buying a gallon or two of bleach every year is cheap and easy too.
    Life has a melody. Not great, not terrible.

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Long-term storage of bleach/disinfectants

    Pool shock, or Calcium Hypochlorite granules, is a better solution for long term storage of bleach and portability. You can use the granules to disinfect larger amounts of water, like the emergency water in your rain barrel.
    Calcium Hypochlorite stores for years without losing is effectiveness.

    Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. Voltaire.
    America must suffer until it reaches the point that Liberty is more important than Comforts.

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