What is the shelf life of chlorine bleach?

[scoots]

I just discovered two bottles of Clorox I forgot about. I opened both and there was virtually no smell. I'm gonna take a wild guess and say it's no longer bleach.

How long can it sit on the shelf before it goes?

 

[launderess]

About one year or so depending upon storage conditons

Then yes, chlorine bleach breaks down....

https://www.clorox.com/dr-laundry/shelf-life/

http://blog.rjschinner.com/clorox-shelf-life-date-codes/

 

[scoots]

Many thanks Madame Launderess for that prompt answer, complete with disposal tips.

 

[murando531]

Is the breakdown into salt and water the cause of corrosion of washer components, like the spiders?

 

[sudsmaster]

I doubt that salt and water causes corrosion of washer parts, not half as much as chlorine gas (which is released by chlorine bleach) corrodes all sorts of things, including stainless steel.

 

And salt is a common additive to washer powder detergents. Why, I don't know, it just is listed as an ingredient for some.

 

I avoid using chlorine bleach in the laundry. It's a last resort. For near sterilization, I'd rely on a 200F or higher front loader, like an Asko or Miele. Or for really sterile, a pressure cooker.

 

 

[murando531]

That makes sense. I am extremely hesitant about bleach in the Bravos XL, because the main downfall I've heard about the Oasis design is the shaft becoming corroded and preventing the basket from floating. Even OxiClean worries me in that aspect because it's quite a potent solution. If I ever have anything that just NEEDS bleach or oxi, I'll just soak it in the sink or a large bucket for a bit and that always does the trick, and with no potential wear on my machine in the process.