Avoid Ultra Clorox Bleach...it's poisonous-Fiction!

Avoid "Ultra" Clorox Bleach Because It's Poisonous and More Dangerous Than Normal Bleach-Fiction!

Summary of the eRumor There are several versions of this eRumor. Some simply say to not buy ultra bleach because it has poisons in it. Others have been targeting pet owners saying that the new Ultra Clorox product is both sodium hypochlorite AND sodium hydroxide, which is lye. The eRumor says the lye has been added to make the bleach work faster but is difficult to rinse off surfaces so can be toxic to animals. It recommends against using the product in areas where animals live. It also claims that Ultra Clorox has been "cruelty tested" with animals. Some versions go on to recommend the brands that they feel you should use instead of Ultra Clorox.

The Truth There is no truth to this and the cynical would say that the originators of these emails have not so much been opposed to Ultra Clorox as they have been loyal to whatever products they recommend be used instead. According to the folks at Clorox, the "Ultra Clorox" product is the same bleach, the same formula that Clorox has used for years. The only difference is that it's more concentrated so less is needed per load of laundry. When diluted, it's virtually the same as the original Clorox bleach. Even ordinary chlorine needs to be used with caution and the labels on the products need to be read and any warnings heeded. Does Ultra Clorox contain sodium hydroxide (lye)? According to Clorox, yes...and so does every other bleach on the market. It is generally less than 1 percent of the volume. Contrary to the claim in the eRumor, sodium hydroxide is not "added" to the chlorine to make it work faster. It is a natural byproduct of the process of making chlorine, according to Clorox.
A real example of the eRumor as it has appeared on the Internet:
Example #1 Subject: Pets/Ultra Clorox warning Have you noticed that Clorox has changed? It's now Ultra Clorox and should be avoided at all costs. It took me weeks to get Clorox to respond to my query and then I found this: Clorox Bleach, long a favorite with pet owners, animal workers businesses, for its simple chlorite (5.25% sodium hypochlorite with "inert ingredients" water) changed its formulation!!!!!!!!!! New CLOROX ULTRA is sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide. Sodium hydroxide is LYE. Lye was added to make bleach work faster. While lye is used in making basic soaps, it is also very difficult to rinse off surfaces. DO NOT USE ULTRA CLOROX around pets (or children). Do not use Ultra Clorox to disinfect floors, kennel runs, carriers/crates, litter boxes or feeding/water dishes! Because felines groom their paws, it is especially dangerous to cats. This is a warning to ALWAYS check labels on any "new and improved" product labels. Clorox is also "cruelty tested" on animals! Switch now to a "basic bleach" like Kleen Brite... which is NOT tested on animals! Example #2