All you need to know prior to using bleach for washing clothes.
Opinions vary when it comes to this issue.
using bleach at home
Sure, we all have those stories about bleaching gone wrong—a telltale white stain on a dark garment comes to mind. Some people rely on bleach to sanitize their dishwashers, but others might prefer alternative methods due to concerns or preferences.
However, when it comes to doing laundry—especially
brightening and whitening clothes
As for sanitization – bleach is an effective and reliable choice if you’ve already used up household staples such as vinegar.
baking soda
Detergent with bleach can assist in making clothes brighter and whiter, combat stubborn stains, and disinfect.
What Is Bleach?
“Bleach” refers to a solution usually composed of water and sodium hypochlorite. “The effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite is maximized within a comprehensive formulation containing additives that boost the activity of the bleach,” according to The Clorox Company, which produces bleach among other items.
states on their website
Including sodium hypochlorite and water, trace amounts of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, and sodium hydroxide are added to ensure product stability and to keep the pH balanced.
Chlorine bleach can be utilized to
remove stains from fabric
, and also brighten fabrics. It is occasionally utilized in industrial settings for cleansing and sanitizing purposes.
Top Bleach for Laundry Tasks
The
American Cleaning Institute
It states that there are two kinds of bleach suitable for laundry: chlorine bleach, also known as sodium hypochlorite, and non-chlorine bleach, often referred to as oxygen bleach.
Chlorine Bleach
Traditional liquid bleach, often called household bleach, functions through its primary component, sodium hypochlorite. It’s a potent solution designed for eliminating stains and enhancing the whiteness of fabrics. However, use extreme caution since it can remove colors from materials, making it unsuitable for treating blemishes on anything but white clothes.
Non-Chlorine Bleach
Non-chlorine bleach, also known as oxygen or color-safe bleach, offers a milder alternative for laundering clothes. This type of bleach does not damage colored garments like chlorine bleach might; instead, it maintains their original hues. Typically, the primary component in this gentler option is hydrogen peroxide. Be sure always to verify whether your chosen bleach product is suitable for your specific types of fabric before using it. Certain materials such as leather, spandex, wool, and silk should absolutely avoid contact with any form of bleach due to potential damage.
What Amount of Bleach Should Be Used When Doing Laundry?
How much bleach to use in a load of laundry is dependent upon the size of the load, soil level, and washer size. It’s important to read the label on the bleach to determine the appropriate amount of bleach to use for stains.
The Clorox Company
recommends:
-
For sanitizing:
For a regular washing machine, use ½ cup of bleach, whereas for high-efficiency washers, ¼ cup of bleach should be used. -
For minor discolorations and dirt:
For a regular washing machine, use ⅓ cup of bleach; for a high-efficiency model, fill the dispenser up to the maximum line. -
For tough stains and dirt buildup
For a standard washing machine, use ⅔ cup of bleach; for a high-efficiency model, fill the dispenser up to the maximum line.
How to Mix Bleach for Washing Clothes
Bleach must always be diluted prior to touching any material; however, the positive aspect is that detergent compartments handle this process for you. Should your washer lack such a compartment, just introduce the bleach directly into the water during the filling stage.
How to Utilize Bleach for Removing Stains from White Garments
You can utilize bleach to eliminate discolorations from white garments, yet this should be executed with caution. Before applying it, make sure to check the washing instructions label sewn into the garment. After verifying that the material is compatible with bleach, perform a trial on a hidden part like an inner seam to confirm there will be no adverse reaction.
When spot-treating stains on white clothing with bleach, apply it carefully so that it contacts only the stained area without spreading across the fabric or affecting other parts of the item. After treatment, rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Tips For Using Bleach
The
Centers for Disease Control
alerts customers about crucial safety measures when employing bleach for cleaning or disinfecting:
- Bleach must not be combined with ammonia or other cleaning agents.
- Put on protective gloves and goggles before using bleach.
- While using bleach, avoid breathing in the fumes and whenever feasible, keep the windows open.
According to the CDC website, “Utilize standard, fragrance-free household bleach containing between 5% and 9% sodium hypochlorite,” noting that this strength is typically the most prevalent in the US.
Frequently asked Questions
Is it safe to combine bleach with laundry detergent?
Indeed, it is perfectly fine to combine bleach and laundry detergent in your washing machine.
Is it necessary to dilute bleach when doing laundry?
Whether you use the bleach dispenser or not depends on whether your washing machine includes one. The dispenser helps to properly mix the bleach with water. In case your washer lacks this feature, pour the bleach directly into the drum when the machine begins to fill with water.
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