At Solo, we often get questions about whether bleach is safe to use in a pump sprayer. Well, the answer is it depends. Yes, you can use up to 20% bleach solution in a garden sprayer, but it can corrode the seals over time.
Seal failure is a problem because the sprayer might leak or fail to pressurize, presenting both a safety and convenience issue. You can use 20% bleach solutions in a sprayer occasionally without any damage to the seal, but remember to flush the tank well after using it with bleach. If you need to use bleach solutions frequently, you should consider buying a sprayer built to handle bleach solutions.
Bleach sprayers
Two major factors make bleach sprayers more resistant against bleach’s damaging effects. First, the seal material inside bleach sprayers is more chemical resistant than standard garden sprayers. Another feature that helps a sprayer last longer against bleach solutions is the pump type.
Many of Solo’s backpack sprayers are available in two pump types: piston and diaphragm. While you can use a piston pump backpack sprayer with a bleach solution of up to 20 percent, diaphragm backpack sprayers are designed to handle bleach solutions better than a piston pump sprayer.
Solo has several sprayers that are resistant to bleach solutions. Solo’s 475-B-HD and 475-B are the best choice for spraying bleach solutions in large areas. The 475-B-HD, 475-B, 473-D, and 485 backpack sprayers have diaphragm pumps built with top-quality Tivilon material to provide outstanding resistance to harsh chemical solutions, making them ideal choices for spraying industrial grade bleach solutions for long periods.
Solo’s 405-B sprayer is perfect for spraying household bleach solutions, algae, and mildew removers. The 405-B is equipped with chemical-resistant Viton® seals in key locations for superior chemical-resistance.
Handling bleach safely
Product selection is only one part of handling bleach solutions safely. By choosing a sprayer built to withstand bleach, the risk of product failure is minimized, but there are other important factors for handling bleach. Proper use of bleach solutions is becoming increasingly important to remember as more people are looking for effective ways to clean and disinfect.
One of the most important things to remember is to avoid spraying undiluted bleach. Bleach is strong and using undiluted bleach can stain clothes and surfaces and irritate skin and eyes. Always dilute bleach with water before using it. The CDC provides recommendations on the ratio of bleach to water to clean and disinfect surfaces during emergencies or outbreaks.
Key Takeaway
For occasional use of bleach solutions in a non-bleach sprayer, flush your sprayer well after use and avoid constant use of bleach. If you use bleach solutions regularly, select a bleach sprayer. Bleach sprayers can handle harsher chemical solutions, but just because a sprayer is built to handle bleach does not mean it is okay to leave bleach in the sprayer. Leaving any chemical in a sprayer for an extended time will damage the sprayer. Always flush your sprayer after using it.
Solo Bleach Sprayer Comparison
