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Compounds and Cleaning · Formula · Book recipe 5.1

Surface disinfectant from calcium hypochlorite (pool shock)

Used to sanitize hard surfaces, tools, containers, and cleanup areas in off-grid or emergency situations.

HazardousWorks without power

How it works

1½ tsp granulesmeasured dry powder
+
1 gallon waterfresh or stored
stir
~1,000 ppmdisinfecting solution
Apply & keep wet1 to 10 minutes
Always add POWDER → WATERnever pour water onto the powder
NEVER mix with acid or ammoniaacid makes chlorine gas, ammonia makes chloramine

Quick facts

Dose
1½ tsp / gallon
Strength
~1,000 ppm
Dwell time
1-10 min wet
Use within
24 hours
Dry shelf life
up to 10 years

Hazard

Corrosive oxidizer. Acids or vinegar make toxic chlorine gas; ammonia makes toxic chloramine gas. Wear gloves and eye protection; ventilate.

Calcium hypochlorite (commonly sold as "pool shock") is a long-lasting, dry alternative to liquid bleach. When mixed with water, it creates a disinfecting solution effective for cleaning surfaces and killing bacteria and viruses. This method is ideal when commercial bleach isn't available or has expired.

What you'll need

  • Calcium hypochlorite granules with 65-70% available chlorine content (no additives or algaecides)
  • Freshwater source (well, stored supply, creek, or river)
  • Measuring spoons (particularly 1 teaspoon)
  • Non-metallic container (glass jar with seal or HDPE jug)
  • Non-metallic stirring tool (plastic or wooden)

Steps

  1. Mix 1½ level teaspoons (about 5.7 to 6 grams) of calcium hypochlorite granules into 1 gallon of water and stir until dissolved
  2. This produces a strong chlorine solution (~1,000 ppm / 0.1%) effective for killing bacteria and viruses on hard surfaces
  3. Apply with a cloth, mop, or spray bottle
  4. Keep surfaces wet 1 minute for everyday germs, or 10 minutes for tougher ones and porous surfaces
  5. Use within 24 hours; the solution loses strength quickly once mixed

Warnings

Never ingest this mixture or mix it with other cleaners. Acids and vinegar make toxic chlorine gas; ammonia makes toxic chloramine gas. Always add powder to water, never the reverse, to avoid dangerous reactions and heat generation. Wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection. Work in well-ventilated areas. If you smell strong chlorine or experience coughing, throat irritation, or chest tightness, move to fresh air immediately. Keep dry powder away from fuels, oils, and combustible materials; calcium hypochlorite can ignite organic matter on contact. Keep away from children and animals.

Storage and shelf life

Sealed dry powder: up to 10 years if kept cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight. Check yearly for clumping or weak chlorine smell. Prepared solution: use within 24 hours. Best container: sealed glass jar or HDPE jug. Avoid metal. See the Containers section.

Questions this answers

Tap a question for the short answer.

How do I make bleach from pool shock?

Stir 1½ level teaspoons, about 5.7 to 6 grams, of calcium hypochlorite granules (65 to 70% available chlorine, no additives) into 1 gallon of water in a non-metallic container until dissolved. That gives a surface disinfectant of roughly 1,000 ppm. Always add the powder to the water.

How much calcium hypochlorite per gallon for disinfecting surfaces?

Use 1½ level teaspoons, about 5.7 to 6 grams, per 1 gallon of water. That makes a strong solution of roughly 1,000 ppm, or 0.1%, that kills bacteria and viruses on hard surfaces.

How long does homemade bleach solution last?

Use the mixed solution within 24 hours, since it loses strength quickly. The dry powder is the long-term store: sealed, cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight, it keeps up to 10 years. Check it yearly for clumping or a weak chlorine smell.

How long should disinfectant stay wet on a surface?

Keep the surface wet for 1 minute for everyday germs, or 10 minutes for tougher ones and for porous surfaces. Apply the solution with a cloth, mop, or spray bottle.

Can I use pool shock instead of liquid bleach?

Yes. Calcium hypochlorite, sold as pool shock, is a dry, long-lasting alternative that makes a disinfecting solution when mixed with water. It suits times when liquid bleach is unavailable or expired. Use granules with 65 to 70% available chlorine and no additives or algaecides.

Do I add pool shock to water or water to pool shock?

Always add the powder to the water, never water to the powder. The reverse can cause dangerous reactions and heat. Wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, work with good ventilation, and mix in a non-metallic container with a plastic or wooden stirrer.

Keep going

Read nextWater: Storage and PurificationStore one gallon per person per day, half for drinking and half for hygiene, and aim for at least a two-week supply at home. When stored water runs low, know how to make more safe to drink.Water · Guide

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