What is the active ingredient commonly found in household bleach?

The active ingredient commonly found in household bleach is sodium hypochlorite. This compound is a powerful disinfectant and is widely used for its ability to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Sodium hypochlorite releases chlorine when dissolved in water, which is what gives bleach its whitening and cleaning properties.

Household bleach typically contains a solution of sodium hypochlorite, which can vary in concentration but is effective for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Its effectiveness makes it a popular choice for household sanitation and laundry.

In contrast, the other options mentioned have different functions: sodium bicarbonate is primarily used as a mild abrasive or leavening agent in cooking and cleaning; hydrogen peroxide is often used for disinfection but acts differently than bleach; and potassium hydroxide is a strong base used in various industrial and cleaning applications, but it is not the active ingredient in bleach.