How to Bleach Clothes

Before you ever open a jug of bleach you must understand what you are dealing with. Bleaching clothes is a common remedy for whitening clothes or removing stains but it can also be quite harmful to the clothes if not used correctly. Bleach is a term usually used for what is otherwise known as a solution of sodium hypochlorite, but is can also include sodium perborate which releases hydrogen peroxide or even calcium hypochlorite. Read on to learn how to bleach clothes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Understand the precautions in using bleach. Even though it is sold with common household cleaners, it needs to be handled carefully. Most bleaches are quite reactive with other chemicals and can in combination have a strong oxidizing effect and release chlorine. Chlorine is a strong chemical with fumes that can prove deadly at higher concentrations. When we actually smell chlorine it is about 3.5 parts per million. Safe breathing levels are set at .5 ppm by OSHA. Chlorine irritates the mucous membranes and burns the skin. The combination of bleaching agents with acids as common as lemon juice or vinegar will cause the release of chlorine. Mixing bleaching agents with ammonia starts a chemical reaction that produces very caustic and toxic materials that can burn the skin and lungs. By products of the bleaching process with these chemicals can produce toxins that are known to encourage the formations of cancers.

2. 

   Use only clothes made of fibers and colors that can handle the bleaching process. Most natural fibers will disintegrate with a concentrated bleach solution after enough time. Polyester material can usually handle bleach under the right concentration just fine. Some fabrics are made with non-bleachable dyes which makes them color-safe. To test, touch an inconspicuous area with a little of the diluted bleach solution and wait about 10 minutes to see if there is any change. Always follow the directions listed on the package.

3. 

   Start the washing machine fill cycle. Add the recommended amount of bleach to the water if you do not have a specific bleach reservoir. Add the detergent and then add the clothes. It is wise to keep whites separate from colored clothes in case of color bleeding. Let the machine run its cycles and then check the clothes for the amount of bleaching or stain removal you wanted. If more whitening is needed, run them through another wash cycle.

4. 

   For a safe alternative to chemical bleaching, try hanging laundry out on the line in the sunshine. Sunlight's ultraviolet rays actually change chemical bonds in fabrics in a process similar to bleaching with chemicals. Not only will the clothes dry fresher but also more economically and friendlier for the environment.