Chlorox uses chlorine as a bleaching agent, and is really is a very
dangerous chemical when used incorrectly.  However, it also really does the
job when cleaning up organic messes.  Some words of caution and suggestions
for working with chlorox, that I have found very useful.
 
First the cautions:
1. ALWAYS use chlorox in an area with good circulation.  The fumes can burn
   your eyes, nose, and throat.
2. NEVER combine chlorox with any other cleaning agent.  When combined with
   certain other chemicals (particularly the abrasives in dutch cleanser),
   chlorine gas is released. VERY BAD!
3. Allow the pan to dry completely before you allow the little one near it.
   It can take a while, so be patient.
 
Some ferrets will actually try to drink bleach (they aren't too smart
sometimes), so watch carefully.
 
Now the suggestions:
 
1. Use the product uncut for initial cleaning (if your skin is sensitive,
   wear gloves).  This cuts down on the amount you have to use since you are
   using it in its concentrated form.  Rinse with lots and lots of water.
2. If you can, let the pan dry under the sun.  The vapors will burn off more
   quickly that way...
3. If you are still leary of using chlorox, there are other alternatives.
   Hydrogen peroxide is also an effective bleaching agent, and is used in
   some commercial cleaners.  It has the added bonus that it uses oxygen as
   the oxidizing agent, and not chlrorine, so there are no dangerous vapors.
   It can also be used with things like baking soda without the danger of
   chlorine gas.
 
Bottom line, chlorox is a very effective cleaner for organic stains - but
since we are all just really "organic stains", it needs to be used with
caution.  Just my $.02...
 
Gwen
 
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Gwen M. Daley
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http://www.vt.edu:10021/G/gdaley/gmd.html
Webmistress - Paleogoddess Server:
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Department of Geological Sciences
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0420
 
[Moderator's note: The common nasty mixture that causes problems is mixing
products containing chlorine bleach with products containing ammonia.  BIG]
[Posted in FML issue 1718]