Bleach is a commonly used household cleaner and disinfectant. It is effective at removing stains and whitening clothes. However, bleach can also damage and discolor fabrics if used improperly. When using bleach, it is important to choose the right type of bleach for the fabric and follow usage directions carefully.
How Bleach Works
Most household bleach contains sodium hypochlorite as the active ingredient. Sodium hypochlorite is a chemical that acts as a whitening agent and disinfectant. When dissolved in water, it forms a weak solution of hypochlorous acid. This acid is what actually bleaches and disinfects surfaces.
The hypochlorous acid reacts with colored compounds in stains and fabrics, breaking them down and effectively removing the color. However, this same reaction can damage fabrics by stripping away dyes and fading colors if the bleach is too strong or left on too long.
Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine bleach, also known as liquid bleach, is the most common household bleach product. It is typically a 5-6% sodium hypochlorite solution and comes in different scented varieties.
Chlorine bleach is very effective at whitening and removing stains from white clothes and other washable fabrics. However, it can cause discoloration of dyed or printed fabrics. The hypochlorous acid breaks down and fades many dyes, especially darker colors like black.
When using chlorine bleach:
- Always check the laundry care label first
- Use sparingly on colors
- Dilute bleach before using on colors
- Avoid using on silk, wool, spandex, leather, and non-colorfast prints
Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach, also known as all-fabric bleach or color-safe bleach, uses sodium percarbonate as the main active ingredient. When dissolved in water, sodium percarbonate releases hydrogen peroxide which acts as a whitening agent and stain remover.
The key advantage of oxygen bleach is that it does not contain chlorine. As a result, it is generally safe to use on colorfast laundry and most washable fabrics without risk of bleaching or discoloration:
- Safe for most colors
- Won’t fade darks or blacks
- Can be used on delicate fabrics like silks, wool, spandex
However, hydrogen peroxide can potentially weaken elastic fibers with repeated use. Oxygen bleaches may also be less effective at stain removal compared to chlorine bleach.
Non-Chlorine Bleach Alternatives
If you want to avoid any risk of fabric damage from bleach entirely, there are some chlorine-free and non-bleach alternatives for whitening clothes and removing stains:
Baking Soda
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is a natural whitening agent. It helps remove stains and odors and brightens whites without chlorine. For laundry use:
- Add 1⁄2 cup baking soda along with detergent
- Soak clothes in baking soda solution before washing
- Make a paste with baking soda and water to pre-treat stains
Borax
Like baking soda, borax acts as a laundry booster and whitener:
- Add 1⁄2 cup borax to wash cycle
- Soak whites in a borax solution
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can be used for whitening and stain removal. It is safer than chlorine bleach for most colors:
- Pre-treat stains with 3% solution
- Add 1⁄2 cup to wash cycle
- Soak whites in diluted hydrogen peroxide
Lemon Juice
The natural acidity in lemon juice acts as a whitening agent and stain remover:
- Soak clothes in diluted lemon juice and water solution
- Hang clothes in sun after soaking to maximize whitening
- Use lemon juice and salt paste to scrub stains
White Vinegar
White vinegar is another common household staple that can whiten laundry without bleach. The acetic acid in vinegar helps lift stains and brighten fabrics:
- Add 1⁄2 cup vinegar to wash cycle
- Soak clothes in mixture of vinegar and water
- Pre-treat stained areas with vinegar
Bleach Alternatives for Delicate Fabrics
Silks, wool, spandex, rayon, and other delicate fabrics require even gentler care without harsh chemicals. Here are some effective bleach alternatives for delicates:
Liquid Hand Soap
Liquid hand soap or dish soap can help pre-treat some stains on delicate fabrics:
- Spot treat stain with small amount of soap
- Gently rub soap on stain before rinsing
Baby Shampoo
The gentle cleansing formula of baby shampoo makes it a good choice for delicate laundry items:
- Soak delicates in mixture of baby shampoo and cool water
- Hand wash and rinse thoroughly after soaking
Hydrogen Peroxide
At proper dilution, hydrogen peroxide can often be used on delicates:
- Mix 1 tbsp hydrogen peroxide per 1 cup of water
- Soak fabric for 30 minutes, then rinse
White Vinegar
White vinegar is typically safe for most delicates at the right concentration:
- Mix 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water
- Soak item for 30 minutes up to a few hours, then rinse
Proper Use of Bleach
When using any type of bleach or whitening agent, following usage directions is critical to avoid damaging fabrics. Here are some general guidelines for safe bleach use:
- Always check fabric care labels first
- Never use undiluted or full-strength bleach
- Do not soak fabrics in bleach solution for more than 10 minutes
- Rinse items thoroughly after soaking or washing with bleach
- Wash items with detergent after using bleach to neutralize any residues
- Avoid using bleach on delicates like silk, wool, rayon, spandex
- Spot test bleach products first in an inconspicuous area
Bleach Storage Safety Tips
Bleach can be a harsh chemical and should be stored safely when not in use:
- Keep bleach in original container and never transfer to unlabeled bottles
- Store bleach containers upright and away from heat and flames
- Do not mix bleach with other household cleaners, especially ammonia
- Keep bleach out of reach of children and pets
- Check expiration date and discard if bleach is expired
Conclusion
Although chlorine bleach is an effective whitener and stain remover, it can damage fabrics through discoloration if used improperly. Oxygen bleach and non-bleach alternatives provide a safer option for colorfast and delicate items. When using any bleach products, carefully follow fabric care instructions and usage directions to avoid unwanted bleaching or fading of clothes.