Bleach
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Bleach refers to a wide range of chemical substances that are used mainly in order to whiten fabrics, clean surfaces and 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).