Sanitizing with Bleach
It is very common for a sanitation specialist to have an account or prospect that is using store bought bleach as a sanitizer. Of course we would like for them to be buying our product but if we cannot make a compelling case against buying bleach from the store we will get the, “bleach is bleach” reply or “it’s cheaper at the store.” Here are a few reasons they SHOULD NOT be buying bleach from the store.
• All sanitizer and disinfectants must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and display an EPA
Registration Number as well as an EPA Establishment Number.
• Many household or store bought bleaches are not EPA registered as sanitizers. Non-registered products are illegal by
federal, state and local regulations as sanitizers.
• If there is no directions on the label for use in a three-compartment sink or in a low temp dish machine it is illegal to use
and can result in a health code violation or possibly a fine. Store bought bleaches do not have such directions.
• Commercial bleach is three to four times stronger that household or store bought bleach. If someone were to put a store
bought bleach on a dish machine or dispenser that has been set up for commercial bleach they will be well below proper
sanitation ranges
• Any adjustments or maintenance needed on dispensing equipment will more than likely have to be done by a service
technician. Maintenance service is built into the cost of product. It is not reasonable to ask for service on dispensing
equipment using product not provided by the chemical provider.
Having knowledge like this improves our business and protects us from competitor infiltration. Most importantly though, it adds value to our service by looking out for their best interest and becoming a partner instead of just a provider.