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Bleach refers to a wide range of chemical substances that are used mainly in order to \b[whiten] fabrics, \b[clean] surfaces and \b[disinfect] water supplies.

This range of substances works by oxidizing the molecules that either stain our clothes/furniture, or are part of unwanted germs. They can be divided into two main products:

* Chlorine-based bleach: These function by releasing elemental chlorine. Elemental chloride on its own is also a form of bleach, although it is much more dangerous to handle.

* Peroxide-based bleach: They release oxygen, which does the oxidation itself. Oxygen is derived from the decomposition of peroxide compounds (R-O-O-R).
