Can I Use Color Safe Bleach on Clothes That Say Do Not Bleach?

Strawberries provide plenty of stains on delicate fabrics.

A stain on an expensive garment is often a dilemma, especially if the garment is labeled, "Do Not Bleach." Color-safe bleach products claim that they are safe for all washable fabrics, but it is difficult to disobey the label.

Test

Most manufacturers of color safe bleach recommend testing their product before deciding to use it. When considering a liquid product, apply 1 drop to a hidden place on the garment. Rest for five minutes, rinse and line dry. Test a powdered product by mixing 1 tsp. in 1 cup of hot water, applying a drop and following the same procedure.

Convenience

Once the color safe bleach has passed the test, the most convenient way to use it is to add it to the water along with detergent while the washer fills. Some detergents contain color safe bleach as part of their formula and should be avoided if they cause damage to delicate fabrics.

Contents

Color safe bleach products are composed differently from ordinary bleach products. Liquid color safe bleaches use hydrogen peroxide for gentle bleaching and powdered color safe bleaches contain sodium perborate for the same effect. Most also contain enzymes to break up stains and brighteners to reflect light.

References

• Textile Affairs: Color-Safe Bleach

Resources

• Clorox: Clorox 2 Stain Fighter and Color Booster
• My Brands: Purex 2 Color Safe Bleach