Q: How does the BleachMaker work?
Using the BleachMaker is very simple and can be done anywhere with a power source — that’s why it’s such a valuable tool in the fight against COVID-19. All necessary equipment comes with the device.
Step 1: Fill the jug with water and add 350 milliliters of salt.
Step 2: Put the BleachMaker wand in the jug.
Step 3: Plug the BleachMaker into a12 V/DC power source and let sit for 70 minutes.
RESULT: A gallon of bleach that exceeds international sanitation product standards.
You can repeat these steps as many times as you want for an endless supply. If the bleach is not used within 14 days, it should be discarded and a fresh batch made.
Q: Can bleach stop the spread of COVID-19?
The CDC, WHO and US Surgeon General all emphasize the importance of surface sanitation with disinfectants like bleach. COVID-19 can survive on surfaces like handles, countertops, cardboard and more. Check out some of the recent guidance about the important of regular surface disinfection here:
Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization
U.S. Surgeon General
Q: Is the BleachMaker already helping organizations in need as they fight COVID-19?
As COVID-19 continues to spread across the world, we recognize the BleachMaker can help save lives and are actively donating devices to organizations in need. Here are some recent examples of how we’re helping:
- WaterStep got word that Hope for Homeless in Los Angeles that serves 10,000 youth ran out of disinfectant. We quickly mobilized to send 10 BleachMakers their way on April 9th.
- We recently provided devices to several nonprofits in our hometown of Louisville, KY.
- Catalyst Rescue Mission in Southern Indiana said the device donated to them will be “critical” in the fight against COVID-19. The donation was made possible by country music singer-songwriter Mitch Rossel.
- We trained local homeless shelter staff on how to use the device for years to come.
- WaterStep taught middle school students our 7-step handwashing technique that we use around the world!
- The BleachMaker is being used around the world as ‘a sword in the fight against COVID-19’.
Q: How many BleachMakers have been donated since the device was created?
More than 500 BleachMaker devices are currently being used around the world to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Q: How and why was the BleachMaker developed?
The concept of a BleachMaker originated in 2014 at a hack-a-thon (an event where programmers collaborate on innovative ideas.) WaterStep liked the idea and believed the device could help them further their sanitation missions around the world, so they brought engineers together to develop the device. The group included representatives from the University of Louisville, the Louisville Water Company and General Electric’s FirstBuild Innovation Center.
The BleachMaker was first used by emergency workers during the Ebola outbreak in Africa. It was credited for significantly reducing the spread of the virus and has since been used in more than 58 countries across the world, aiding in natural disaster responses and helping combat disease outbreaks.
Q: What is WaterStep? What kind of work do you do? Where do you operate?
WaterStep, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organization that helps organizations and regions of the world have access to sanitation. We do this by providing mobile disinfectant solutions and fighting the global water crisis. WaterStep works to develop and implement sustainable solutions to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands in more than 58 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Pakistan, and the Dominican Republic among many more. Since 2001, WaterStep has equipped more than 380,000 people around the world with the tools, technology and training needed to provide safe water and critical sanitization solutions within their communities.
Q: How can I help?
As a nonprofit, WaterStep relies on private purchases and donations to provide free devices to organizations that need it most, including homeless shelters, nursing homes, food pantries, hospitals and more. Here’s how you can help:
Make a monetary donation. Your generous contribution will enable the production of more devices to be distributed to organizations in need, free of charge, to nonprofits across the world, helping thousands of individuals. In addition, WaterStep can also gift a BleachMaker to a designated nonprofit organization on your behalf. Email info@WaterStep.org to make arrangements. The total cost to donate the device and have it shipped domestically is $500. You can help curb the spread of disease today! Click here to make a donation.
Purchase a device for you or your organization here.
Q: I can’t donate today but still want to help. What can I do?
We are grateful that you believe in our mission. If you can’t make a donation today, here are some other steps you can take to help get the BleachMaker to more organizations in need:
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram and share our story so others can get involved!
- Sign up for our newsletter to stay in touch.
- Tell a non-profit you work with about the great things going on at WaterStep.
- Attend a training session and volunteer your time. For more information on how to get involved visit: https://waterstep.org/get-involved/.
Q. Can I buy a device to use at home or at my place of business?
Yes, we have BleachMakers in inventory. Click here to purchase and check out.