Using bleach when washing clothes

Liquid formulas of oxygen bleach lose their effectiveness soon after the product is opened and exposed to air, and the bleach solution turns to water. Even though some detergents include oxygen bleach, use a full oxygen-bleach formula to boost your regular detergent. If using powdered oxygen bleach to wash laundry, add the powder to the empty washer tub first. Or, you can add it to the wash water before adding clothes, depending on your washing machine type. Never put powdered oxygen bleach directly onto clothing, because it may cause uneven spotting.

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

The same hydrogen peroxide that you use to clean minor wounds or achieve "sun-bleached" hair can be used in the laundry room. It's most commonly available at pharmacies in concentrations of percent in a water-based solution. 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 a cup into the washer water before adding the laundry. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Project Overview. Bleaches help whiten, brighten and remove stains. Here's how to use bleach on clothes:. Bleach converts soils into colorless, soluble particles which are easily removed by detergents, then carried away in the wash water. Bleach can also brighten and whiten fabrics and help remove stubborn stains. Sodium hypochlorite bleaches also called chlorine or liquid household bleach are the more powerful laundry bleaches; they disinfect, as well as clean and whiten.

They work on many whites and colorfast washables - but not on wools or silks. Oxygen color-safe bleaches are gentler, working safely on all washable fabrics. They work best in maintaining whiteness, not in restoring it.

For Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach , read the label and dilute as directed. For best results, add 5 minutes after the wash cycle has begun to agitate in order to avoid destroying enzymes and fluorescent whiteners in the detergent. For Oxygen Bleach , add directly to the wash water before the clothes are added.

Do not pour powdered bleach directly on wet clothes. Oxygen bleaches are most effective in warm-to-hot water. Mix the soaking agent with water, and then add the item. Minimum soaking time is 30 minutes; longer, as much as overnight, may be necessary. Read the Label: Check the garment label before laundering; some fabrics cannot be washed using liquid household bleach sodium hypochlorite.

Yes, now you can! Check your bottle and make sure it was recently purchased and the label includes a germ kill claim. This product is used differently than our regular bleach products listed above, and you can learn more about it here. Get cleaning tips, product updates, promotional offers and more to your inbox.

Bleach and other disinfectants are not suitable for consumption or injection under any circumstances. People should always read the label for proper usage instructions. Disinfecting surfaces with bleach and other disinfecting products is one of the ways to help stop the spread of COVID, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Our products are safe when used as directed. An Important Safety Message. More from Clorox experts By Mary Gagliardi. Measuring cup. Sort Laundry Select bleach-safe fabrics that are white or colorfast.

Select cycle A heavy-duty cycle with hot water and an extra rinse will give you the best performance. Start washer The empty washer will begin filling with water. Sort laundry Select bleach-safe fabrics that are white or colorfast.