Will Bleach Eat Through Plastic? Let’s Find Out!
Are you one of those people who have accidentally spilled bleach on plastic, and you’re curious to know the effect it could have? Well, bleach is a powerful chemical, and it has the potential to damage plastic when not handled with care. In this article, we will dig deeper into the effects of bleach on plastic and answer all the frequently asked questions regarding the topic.
What is bleach?
Bleach, also known as Sodium hypochlorite, is a chemical that is commonly used in household cleaning and laundry. It is a powerful oxidizing agent that is effective in removing stubborn stains and whitening clothes. Bleach is also used to disinfect surfaces due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties.
How does bleach affect plastic?
Bleach has the potential to damage plastic, and the degree of damage depends on various factors such as the type of plastic, strength of the bleach, and duration of exposure. Generally, bleach will degrade and discolor plastics over time, especially when exposed repeatedly or for too long. Therefore, it is always necessary to be cautious when using bleach around plastics.
What types of plastics are resistant to bleach?
Some types of plastics are resistant to bleach due to their chemical composition. These plastics are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They are commonly used in making plastic products such as containers, pipes, and tubes, which require frequent cleaning with bleach.
Polyethylene(PE)
PE is a thermoplastic polymer that is durable, lightweight, and resistant to chemicals. It is used in various products such as plastic bags, containers, and bottles. Bleach has little effect on PE due to its chemical inertness.
Polypropylene(PP)
PP is a thermoplastic polymer that is flexible, lightweight, and durable. It is commonly used in making containers, straws, and packaging materials. PP is resistant to bleach due to its strong molecular structure.
Polyvinyl chloride(PVC)
PVC is a thermoplastic polymer that is commonly used in making pipes, window frames, and flooring materials. It is resistant to bleach due to its chemical composition, which includes chlorine atoms that enhance its chemical stability.
What types of plastics are not resistant to bleach?
Not all plastics are resistant to the effects of bleach. Some plastics are easily damaged, discolored or weakened when exposed to bleach. Here are some types of plastics that are not resistant to bleach:
Polyester(PET)
PET is a thermoplastic polymer that is commonly used in making plastic bottles, jars, and trays. Bleach can weaken PET over time and cause it to degrade, discolor or lose its strength.
Polycarbonate(PC)
PC is a thermoplastic polymer that is strong, transparent, and lightweight. It is used in making bulletproof glass, eyeglasses, and electronic devices. Bleach can damage PC and cause it to become cloudy or brittle, especially when exposed to high concentrations.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene(ABS)
ABS is a thermoplastic polymer that is commonly used in making toys, luggage, and automotive parts. Bleach can cause ABS to discolor or become brittle, especially when exposed for too long.
Can bleach be safely used on plastic?
Yes, bleach can be safely used on plastic when handled with care. By following certain precautions, you can prevent damage to plastic when cleaning with bleach. Here are some tips on how to safely use bleach on plastic:
- Choose plastic products that are resistant to bleach
- Dilute bleach with water according to the recommended concentration
- Apply bleach using a soft cloth or sponge
- Use a mild detergent to rinse plastic after cleaning with bleach
- Do not expose plastic to bleach for longer than necessary
Conclusion
Bleach is a powerful chemical that has the potential to damage plastic. However, by using plastic products that are resistant to bleach, diluting bleach to the recommended concentration, applying bleach using a soft cloth or sponge, using a mild detergent to rinse plastic after cleaning with bleach, and not exposing plastic to bleach for longer than necessary, you can safely use bleach on plastic without causing any damage.
Frequently asked questions regarding the use of bleach on plastic
- Will bleach damage plastic surfaces?
- Can bleach be safely used on all types of plastic?
- How long can I expose plastic to bleach before it becomes damaged?
- What are the precautions to take when cleaning plastic with bleach?
- What type of bleach concentration should I use on plastic?
- Can bleach be used to clean plastic food containers?
Answers to frequently asked questions
- Bleach can damage plastic surfaces if used carelessly
- No, not all types of plastic are resistant to bleach
- Exposure to bleach for more than a few hours can cause damage to some types of plastic
- Precautions include diluting bleach, using a soft cloth or sponge, rinsing plastic with mild detergent, and not exposing plastic to bleach for longer than necessary.
- A recommended concentration of 10% bleach to 90% water is ideal for cleaning plastic
- Yes, bleach can be used to clean plastic food containers. Rinse thoroughly with water after cleaning.
References
- https://fullcircleplastics.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-bleach-and-plastic/
- https://www.ruralmessenger.com/blogs/how-to-use-bleach-on-plastic-without-damaging-it/
- https://www.servicemasterclean.com/blog/cleaning-on-hard-surfaces/how-to-use-bleach-to-whiten-plastic-665/