The experiment started off with concentrated bleach containing 8.25% sodium hypochlorite. He needed sodium chlorate so a hot plate was used to boil the bleach until crystals started to form.

Before you start pouring, it’s essential to understand that not all bleach is created equal. The concentration of the active ingredient—usually sodium hypochlorite—can vary between products.

Color-safe bleach uses hydrogen peroxide while regular bleach has sodium hypochlorite. “At the concentration used in the laundry, hydrogen peroxide is a much less aggressive bleach than sodium ...