What ppm of bleach should I use for disinfection?

200 ppm for general surface wiping, 500 ppm for food contact surfaces (after rinsing), 1,000 ppm for bodily fluid spills and high-risk areas, 5,000 ppm for mould removal and heavy contamination. Always follow local health authority guidance.

What does ppm mean for bleach?

PPM stands for parts per million. It measures the concentration of active chlorine in the solution. 1,000 ppm means 1,000 parts of active chlorine per million parts of solution, or 0.1% active chlorine. Higher ppm means a stronger disinfectant.

How long does diluted bleach last?

Diluted bleach solutions lose effectiveness quickly. A 1,000 ppm solution loses about 10% strength per hour at room temperature. Make fresh solutions daily. Higher temperatures accelerate degradation. Store in a cool, dark place in an opaque container.

Is sodium hypochlorite the same as bleach?

Yes, sodium hypochlorite is the active ingredient in household bleach. Household bleach is typically 3-5% sodium hypochlorite. Industrial/trade bleach can be 10-14%. The higher the concentration, the less you need to add to achieve the target ppm.

What PPE do I need when using bleach?

Always wear rubber gloves. At 500+ ppm, add eye protection. At 1,000+ ppm, wear an apron. At 5,000+ ppm, use respiratory protection and a full face shield. Always ensure adequate ventilation. Never mix bleach with other chemicals, especially acids or ammonia.

CleanCalcs

Bleach Dilution Calculator — Safe Disinfection Concentrations

Calculate safe bleach dilution ratios for disinfection at various ppm concentrations.

Concentrate StrengthConcentrate strength

Target ConcentrationTarget concentration

Volume Needed

Volume needed in litres

How We Calculate This

The calculator uses the dilution formula: C1 x V1 = C2 x V2

C1: Concentrate strength (% converted to ppm: 1% = 10,000 ppm)
V1: Volume of concentrate needed (what we calculate)
C2: Target ppm concentration
V2: Total volume of solution needed

Contact time decreases with higher concentrations. Shelf life is estimated based on typical decay rates at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities and timings for your specific situation.