Hydrogen peroxide vs Sodium hypochlorite: what is the difference?

How they differ

Both are oxidising bleaches and both are sold for household cleaning, and they leave very different residues. Hydrogen peroxide decomposes into water and oxygen and nothing else, which is why it is the one used on fabric and hair where a chlorine smell would be unwelcome. Sodium hypochlorite releases hypochlorous acid in water, which is the active destroyer of stain pigments and microbial proteins, and it leaves salt behind. Bleach is much the stronger disinfectant at ordinary household concentrations. The important practical difference is not on either page alone: bleach mixed with ammonia or with acid releases toxic gases, and peroxide does not do that.

Side by side

Common questions

What is the difference between Hydrogen peroxide and Sodium hypochlorite?

Both are oxidising bleaches and both are sold for household cleaning, and they leave very different residues. Hydrogen peroxide decomposes into water and oxygen and nothing else, which is why it is the one used on fabric and hair where a chlorine smell would be unwelcome. Sodium hypochlorite releases hypochlorous acid in water, which is the active destroyer of stain pigments and microbial proteins, and it leaves salt behind.

Is Hydrogen peroxide bigger than Sodium hypochlorite?

Sodium hypochlorite is the heavier molecule, 74.44 g/mol against 34.02 g/mol for Hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is H2O2 and Sodium hypochlorite is ClNaO.