How to Wash Clothes with Bleach
Washing clothes with bleach can be an effective way to whiten, remove tough stains, and sanitize your fabrics, but it requires careful handling to avoid damaging your garments. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to use bleach in your laundry routine.
Understanding Types of Bleach
Before you start, it’s crucial to understand the different types of bleach available.
Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine bleach, also known as sodium hypochlorite bleach, is powerful and commonly used for whitening and disinfecting white clothes. However, it is not suitable for colored fabrics as it can cause significant discoloration. Chlorine bleach works best in hot water but should be used cautiously to avoid fabric damage.
Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach, often found in products like OxiClean, is gentler and safer for colored garments. It effectively removes stains without causing fading or damage to the fabric colors. Oxygen bleach works well in warm to hot water and is generally safer for a wider range of fabrics.
Preparation Steps Before Using Bleach
Read Garment Labels
Always check the garment label before using bleach. Some fabrics, such as wool, silk, mohair, leather, and spandex, are not suitable for bleach treatment. Look for symbols or instructions that indicate whether the fabric can tolerate bleach.
Separate Your Laundry
Separate whites from colored clothes to avoid accidental bleach stains. Only wash white garments with chlorine bleach, and reserve oxygen bleach for colors or fabrics that are colorfast.
Test for Colorfastness
For colored fabrics, perform a colorfastness test by applying a small amount of diluted bleach to a hidden area. Wait a few minutes to ensure the color doesn’t fade before proceeding. This can be done by making a solution of 2 teaspoons of bleach and 1/3 cup of water and applying it to an inconspicuous area.
Steps to Wash Clothes with Bleach
Step 1: Measure the Bleach
Measure the appropriate amount of bleach. For chlorine bleach, typically use ½ cup for a standard washer load, 1/3 cup for medium loads, and 2/3 cup for large loads. For high-efficiency (HE) machines, use 1/4 cup for sanitizing and up to the max line in the dispenser for whitening and stain removal.
Step 2: Fill the Washing Machine with Water
Fill the washing machine with water, but consider the type of bleach you are using. Chlorine bleach works best in hot water, but using cold or lukewarm water can help preserve fabric integrity and reduce the risk of damage. For oxygen bleach, warm to hot water is recommended.
Step 3: Add Detergent
Add a high-quality detergent to the water. Bleach aids in stain removal, but detergent is crucial for cleaning and deodorizing clothes.
Step 4: Add Bleach
Once the detergent is dissolved, add the bleach to the water before putting in the clothes. Ensure the bleach is well-diluted to prevent concentrated spots on the fabric. For best results, add the bleach 5 minutes after the wash cycle has begun to allow the detergent to start working before the bleach is added.
Step 5: Load Clothes
Load the clothes into the washing machine, ensuring they have enough space to circulate freely. Overloading can prevent effective cleaning and may cause damage to the fabrics.
Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly
Ensure that the rinse cycle is long enough to thoroughly wash out all bleach. Residues can damage fabrics over time and cause skin irritation. A heavy-duty cycle with an extra rinse can provide the best performance.
Safety Precautions When Using Bleach
Wear Protective Gear
When handling bleach, use gloves to protect your skin and old clothes or an apron to prevent spills from damaging your attire. Keep an old dishtowel handy to wipe up any spills immediately.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Use bleach in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes. Open windows or run an exhaust fan while using bleach in your laundry routine.
Avoid Mixing with Other Chemicals
Never mix bleach with other cleaning chemicals, especially ammonia, as it can release toxic gases. Always use bleach on its own to avoid dangerous reactions. Also, avoid mixing bleach with vinegar or other acids, as this can produce toxic fumes.
Additional Tips
Bleach Dispensers
If your washing machine has a bleach dispenser, use it to add the bleach. This ensures the bleach is diluted properly before it comes into contact with your clothes.
Soaking and Pretreating
For tough stains, consider soaking the garment in a solution of bleach and water before washing. For chlorine bleach, use 1/4 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of cool water for hand washing or pretreating stains.
Regular Maintenance
If you are dealing with persistent odors, such as mildew in towels, you can use a smaller amount of bleach (2-4 capfuls) specifically for disinfecting rather than whitening. This can help maintain the hygiene of your fabrics without excessive bleaching.
By following these guidelines and taking the necessary precautions, you can effectively use bleach in your laundry routine to keep your clothes clean, white, and hygienic.
FAQs: How to Wash Clothes with Bleach
Q: Can I use bleach on all types of fabric?
A: No, bleach is safe for whites and colorfast items, but should not be used on wool, silk, mohair, leather, spandex, or non-colorfast fabrics. Always check care labels before using bleach.
Q: What is the difference between chlorine bleach and non-chlorine bleach?
A: Chlorine bleach is a strong disinfectant and whitener, best used for whites and heavily stained items. Non-chlorine bleach (often oxygen-based) is milder, safe for colors, and provides gentle bleaching action.
Q: How much bleach should I use for a typical laundry load?
A: For a standard washing machine, use about 3/4 cup of bleach per regular load. Always follow the bleach and washing machine manufacturer’s recommendations for specific measurements.
Q: Should I pour bleach directly onto my clothes?
A: No, bleach should never be poured directly onto clothes, as it can cause fabric damage and discoloration. Dilute it with water first or add it in the designated bleach dispenser in your washing machine.
Q: How do I test my clothes for colorfastness before using bleach?
A: Perform a patch test by applying a small amount of diluted bleach to an inconspicuous area or seam. Wait about 5 minutes, then rinse and check for color changes or fabric damage.
Q: Do I need to use hot water with bleach to effectively clean clothes?
A: While hot water can enhance the cleaning power of bleach, it is not always necessary. Warm or cold water can also be effective, especially for delicate or shrink-prone fabrics. Refer to the garment’s care label for guidance.
Q: Can I use bleach when washing colored clothes?
A: Only use non-chlorine bleach that is color-safe for colored garments. Always perform a colorfastness test before proceeding to ensure the fabric’s color will not be affected.
Q: Is it safe to wash towels and sheets with bleach?
A: Yes, towels and sheets that are resistant to bleaching, typically white or light in color, can be washed with chlorine bleach to disinfect and brighten them.
Q: How should I handle and store bleach safely?
A: Store bleach in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, away from children and pets. Always handle it with care, using gloves to protect your skin, and ensure proper ventilation when using bleach in enclosed areas.
