What is the recommended bleach-to-water ratio for disinfecting a bathroom?

The recommended bleach-to-water ratio for disinfecting a bathroom is 1:10, which means one part bleach to ten parts water. This concentration is effective for killing a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, while also mitigating risks associated with using stronger solutions that may produce harmful fumes or damage surfaces.

Using a 1:10 ratio strikes a balance between effective disinfection and safe application. A more concentrated solution, such as a 1:5 ratio, may not only be more harmful to health but could also potentially damage surfaces or materials commonly found in bathrooms, like tiles and fixtures. A weaker dilution, like 1:20 or 1:50, may not provide sufficient antimicrobial action to ensure thorough sanitation, leaving surfaces vulnerable to infection. Thus, the 1:10 ratio is the most widely recommended for standard disinfection of bathroom environments.