Sodium hypochlorite appears as colorless or slightly yellow watery liquid with an odor of household bleach. Mixes with water. (USCG, 1999) Sodium Hypochlorite is a chlorine compound often used as a disinfectant or a bleaching agent. Sodium hypochlorite in 0.5% w/v solution is called Dakin's solution, and is used as an antiseptic to clean infected topical wounds.