Disinfecting with Clorox

This method utilizes a "relational factoring" type of equation to determine the volume of Clorox (b) needed to give an initial concentration of disinfectant (C) in a particular volume (V) of water. The equation is based on mixing 1 fluid ounce of Clorox in 1 gallon of water which yields an initial concentration of 410 milligrams per liter. Clorox has a sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) strength of about 5.25%.

If you know the volume of water to be treated and the desired initial concentration, then you may easily calculate the fluid ounces of Clorox required.

Example 1

The desire is to achieve a concentration of 410 parts per million in 10,000 gallons using Clorox.

  • b equals 10,000 gallons times 410 milligrams per liter times fluid ounces
  • (410 milligrams per liter)(gallons)
  • b equals 10,000 fluid ounces
  • Or 10,000 fluid ounces divided by 128 fluid ounces per gallon equals 78 gallons

Example 2

How many fluid ounces of Clorox must be added to 1,000 gallons of water to achieve an initial concentration of 50 milligrams per liter?

  • b equals 1,000 gallons times 50 milligrams per liter times fluid ounces
  • (410 milligrams per liter) (gallons)
  • b equals 122 fluid ounces
  • Or 122 fluid ounces divided by 32 fluid ounces per quart equals 3.8 quarts

It's as simple as that!