Bleach
In short
Bleach is a chemical substance used to whiten materials or kill germs. It is most commonly found as a liquid solution of sodium hypochlorite.
In plain words
It is a strong liquid used to make clothes look brighter by removing colour. It also works as a powerful cleaner that kills bacteria and viruses on surfaces.
A simple example
You might add a small amount of liquid bleach to a washing machine to make white towels look bright again. You can also use a diluted version to scrub a kitchen counter to ensure it is germ-free.
Why it matters
It is essential for maintaining hygiene in homes and hospitals by preventing the spread of disease. It also helps keep textiles and food products looking clean and fresh.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse bleach with detergent; detergent cleans dirt, while bleach specifically removes colour or kills microbes.