Survival BoxFree Emergency Prep Tool

Survival guides · Water & Food

Disinfect Water With Bleach

WHEN TO USE THISCan't boil? Plain household bleach makes water safe. Plain and unscented — not scented, color-safe, splash-less or with added cleaners.

  1. Clear it first

    • Cloudy? Pour it through a cloth, paper towel or coffee filter.
    • Let it settle; pour off the clearer top.
    Why

    Dirt and particles use up the bleach before it can kill germs.

  2. Add the drops — per gallon

    • Check the label for the strength.
    • 8.25% bleach: 6 drops clear · 12 drops cloudy.
    • 6% bleach: 8 drops clear · 16 drops cloudy.
    • A medicine dropper if you have one.

  3. Stir and wait 30 minutes

    • Stir. Wait at least 30 minutes.
    • It should smell faintly of chlorine.
    • No smell? Add the same dose again, wait 15 more minutes.
    • Still no smell? Throw it out. Find other water.

  4. Store it

    • Faint chlorine smell = ready to drink.
    • Clean, covered containers.
    • Parasites a worry (Cryptosporidium)? Boiling is better.

Sources: EPA Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water · CDC Chlorination Guidelines

General information to help in an emergency — not a substitute for training or professional care.

← All survival guides