Using Bleach to Clean Clothes

Using bleach in the laundry room aids detergents in the removal of soil and stains. Through a process of oxidation, bleach changes the soil into soluble particles to be washed away by detergents in the washing process. Bleach helps to whiten and brighten washable fabrics and some bleaches disinfect fabrics by killing bacteria.

There are three types of bleach commonly used during home laundry routines:

• Chlorine bleach or sodium hypochlorite (Clorox and Pure Bright are popular brand names)
• Oxygen bleach or sodium percarbonate (Oxiclean, Nellie's Oxygen Bleach, and Clorox 2 are leading brand names). 
• Hydrogen peroxide (3 percent solution)

Chlorine bleach is a 5.25% solution of sodium hypochlorite and is the most powerful home bleach. The liquid version is the most common, but a dry form is also available. Both must be diluted with water for safe use on fabrics.

• Chlorine Bleach
• Water

• Washer or large sink

Liquid chlorine bleach has a limited shelf life. If the bottle has been open for more than six months, it loses its effectiveness due to exposure to light and air. This old bleach may have no effect on stains, loses its disinfecting quality, and should be replaced.

Oxygen bleach is often called all-fabric bleach and is safe for most fabrics and colors. Oxygen bleach has a variety of uses and works more slowly than the harsher chlorine bleach but has no disinfecting qualities to kill bacteria. However, patience will give you great results.

When mixing powdered oxygen bleach with water to create a stain-removal soaking solution, use warm water to ensure that all of the powder dissolves. Once dissolved add cold water if needed to cover the fabric. Completely submerge the stained garment and allow it to soak for as long as possible—up to eight hours or overnight.  

The same hydrogen peroxide you use to clean skin scratches or achieve "sun-bleached" hair can be used in the laundry room. Hydrogen peroxide is most commonly available from pharmacies at three and six-percent concentrations in a water-based solution.

• Hydrogen peroxide (3 percent solution)
• Water

• Washer or large sink

Even though hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach, it should never be poured directly onto clothes in a sink or washer because it can remove color. Either add the bleach to an automatic dispenser or pour one cup into the washer water before adding the load of laundry.

• Always check the fabric for colorfastness first, following the instructions on the product container, before using any type of bleach.
• Never pour full-strength chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide into a washer filled with clothes, even if the load is all whites. Dilute in water before adding to clothes.
• Read and follow care instructions and any warnings on the fabric care label regarding the use of bleach.
• Do not use chlorine bleach on silk, acetate, wool, spandex, polypropylene foam, some flame retardant fabrics or rubber. It will weaken the fibers and cause them to break.
• Oxygen bleach should not be used on wool, dry clean only silks or leather.
• Repeated use of chlorine bleach can weaken cellulosic or cotton/ramie/linen fibers.
• Repeated use of chlorine bleach can cause yellowing of white man-made fabrics by stripping outer fibers revealing an inner yellow core.