Sodium hypochlorite appears as colorless or slightly yellow watery liquid with an odor of household bleach. Mixes with water. (USCG, 1999) Sodium Hypochlorite is a chlorine compound often used as a disinfectant or a bleaching agent. Sodium hypochlorite in 0.5% w/v solution is called Dakin's solution, and is used as an antiseptic to clean infected topical wounds.

Sodium hypochlorite is a strong oxidizing agent with bleaching, disinfecting and sterilizing effects. It is an active ingredient in 84 disinfectant solution, which can be used to disinfect tables, floors, surfaces, industrial circulating water, hospital sewage, etc.

Sodium hypochlorite provides excellent disinfection performance. It is safe to handle, easy to store and convenient to use, and is environmentally non-toxic.

It can also be used for bleaching pulp and textiles. Sodium hypochlorite is irritating to skin, so gloves should be worn during use.