Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is a widely used chemical known for its powerful disinfecting and bleaching properties. It is typically available as a pale yellow or greenish liquid solution with a strong chlorine odor. Best recognized as the active ingredient in household bleach, sodium hypochlorite is a common disinfectant used for cleaning surfaces, whitening laundry, and sanitizing bathrooms and kitchens. In public health, it plays a vital role in water treatment, ensuring safe drinking water and disinfecting swimming pools. Industrially, it is used in bleaching textiles and pulp. Sodium hypochlorite is highly effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it essential in hospitals and laboratories for sterilization. However, it is unstable when exposed to light or heat, decomposing into salt and oxygen. It reacts dangerously with acids, releasing toxic chlorine gas, and is corrosive to metals and human tissue. Despite its risks, proper handling and dilution make sodium hypochlorite one of the most reliable and inexpensive disinfectants worldwide, essential for hygiene, sanitation, and industry.