What is the main use of bleach (sodium hypochlorite)?

The primary use of bleach, specifically sodium hypochlorite, is for whitening clothes and disinfection. Sodium hypochlorite is a powerful oxidizing agent that effectively breaks down stains, thus making it a popular choice in laundry applications for brightening fabrics. Its disinfection properties are also significant; it is widely used to sanitize surfaces in homes, hospitals, and food processing facilities, as it can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This dual functionality as both a bleaching agent and a disinfectant is what makes sodium hypochlorite a staple in both household and industrial cleaning products.

Other uses such as fertilizer production, food preservation, or as a humectant are not relevant to the properties of sodium hypochlorite, which is not typically involved in those applications.