Things You'll Need:
- Glass measuring cup
- Chlorine or oxygen bleach
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Step 1
Read the tags to determine if bleach can be used on the items you intend to launder. If you have any doubts, test a small area of the clothing to make certain the item is colorfast before proceeding. Let a drop of diluted bleach remain on your item for at least one minute. If there is no fading, the item can be laundered with bleach.
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Step 2
Follow the directions on the back of your bleach container to determine how much bleach to use. Use a measuring cup to ensure you are using the correct amount .
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Step 3
Dilute the bleach by using a bleach dispenser or by filling your washing machine half way before adding the bleach. Never pour bleach directly on fabrics. as it will fade and damage the fibers. Pour the bleach into your washing machine before adding your clothing.
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Step 4
Wait at least five minutes between adding detergent and pouring bleach into your washing machine, when possible. Adding bleach at the same time as the detergent may reduce the effectiveness of both the detergent and the bleach. If your machine is already full of clothes, make certain they are fully wet before adding the bleach.
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Step 5
Avoid using bleach on silk, spandex, rubber, wool, elastic and acetate. Even if the clothing tag says that bleach is safe to use on these items, bleach will weaken the fabric and damage the materials.
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Step 6
Never combine bleach with products that contain ammonia. The resulting fumes are toxic and can cause serious illness.
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Step 7
Wash flame-retardant materials without bleach. Using bleach on these items will negate the protective action of the flame-retardant chemicals.
