Bleach dilution calculators

Hit CDC and food-safety ppm targets without a chart. Pick a container, get the exact solute volume, then copy the label line.

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Sodium hypochlorite concentrates are usually sold between 5–10% with densities from 1.06–1.12 g/mL. Enter both density and percent to let the calculator determine how much stock solution contains the target chlorine mass.

The ppm math uses the CDC and WHO formula: ppm × liters = milligrams of pure chlorine needed. Rounded volumes default to measuring cup or milliliter increments for quick mixing.

Popular use cases

200 ppm light-duty spray bottle for routine wipe-downs
500 ppm food-contact sanitizer in a gallon jug
1000 ppm surface disinfectant for mop buckets
High-strength 10000 ppm shock solution for industrial decontamination

Dial in a bleach solution

Open the mixer with a 1,000 ppm target sized for a 1 gallon bucket. Adjust the ppm, swap to metric, or change the total volume to match your sanitation checklist.

Defaults: 1 gallon total, 1,000 ppm goal.

Bleach ppm recipes by task

200 ppm light-duty cleaning

Quick spray bottles for routine wipe downs and daycare surfaces.

500 ppm food-contact sanitizer

Meet restaurant and commercial kitchen guidance for prep areas.

1000 ppm CDC disinfecting

Surface disinfection strength for outbreak response and clinics.

5000 ppm shock solution

High-strength treatments for restrooms, drains, and laundry.

10000 ppm decontamination

Industrial ppm targets for emergency response and hazmat cleanup.

Featured calculators

200 ppm for 16 oz

Light cleaning 200 ppm spray bottle using 6% household bleach. Label and store out of sunlight.

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500 ppm for 1 gallon

Food-contact sanitizing strength (~500 ppm) scaled for a gallon. Built for 6% bleach concentrate.

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1000 ppm for 1 gallon

General disinfecting target (~0.1%) used in CDC surface guidance. Ventilate and wear gloves.

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5000 ppm for 32 oz

Shock solution around 0.5% sodium hypochlorite using an 8% concentrate. Use PPE and rinse surfaces after contact.

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10000 ppm for 250 mL

10,000 ppm industrial bleach target for spot decontamination. Sized for 250 mL emergency bottles.

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FAQs

What ppm should I use for general disinfecting?

The CDC cites 1000 ppm (0.1%) sodium hypochlorite for most non-porous surfaces during outbreak response. For routine household cleaning, 500 ppm is often adequate. Always confirm with your local guidelines.

How do I adjust for different bleach strengths?

Measure or look up the percent sodium hypochlorite on your jug. If it is stronger than 6%, adjust the density input or scale the ppm target accordingly. The calculator will recalc volumes instantly.

Can I store diluted bleach?

Fresh solutions work best. CDC guidance suggests mixing daily because chlorine dissipates quickly, especially in sunlight or warm temperatures. Always label the container with the ppm and mix date.

Where can I learn more about safe bleach handling?

Review CDC and WHO guidance for dilution strengths and safety tips, and consult your local health authority. Always wear gloves, keep rooms ventilated, and never mix bleach with acids or ammonia cleaners.

References & Safety

Keep surfaces visibly wet for at least 1 minute when product labels do not specify a contact time, and always follow local health guidance and product directions.

Last reviewed: 2024-06-01