How to and How Not To Use Bleach

Bleach has a number of uses however its use in laundry seems to a large one. This article will help you understand the in's and out's of using bleach so you can avoid the more common dreadful mistakes bleach can also cause.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Washable whites can often be bleached if they are made of acrylic, cotton, linen, ramie or polyester. Never use on cashmere, leather, mohair, or nylon.

2. 

   To test how fabric will respond to bleach, mix 1 teaspoon of bleach with 1 cup of hot water, put a drop on a hidden area and check for any change in the color of the fabric after 15 minutes.

3. Never combine different types of bleach.

4. Bleach should be diluted in water before pouring it into the wash tub. Use about one cup of bleach to one quart of water.

5. Add bleach and water solution about five minutes after start of wash cycle to allow the enzymes,whitening and brightening ingredients in the detergent to work.

6. The hotter your wash water is, the more effective the bleach will be.

7. Soaking fabrics in a bleach and water solution for more than five minutes may remove stains, but it may also damage the garment. Never soak a valuable linen tablecloth in diluted bleach.

[racheltexas]

on 10/19/2009 Bleach can so help or so hurt...so it is good to know how to use it!

[saucywriter]

on 10/19/2009 An excellent bleach tutorial! Thanks.

[sunshineone]

on 10/16/2009 Great article!

[lighthouse1958]

on 10/14/2009 Great advice, I only use bleach in my towels and washcloths. Maybe sometimes other white blouses but not much. Bleach really does make your whites whiter, very good article. 5*

[cygnetbrown]

on 10/14/2009 Remember too, NEVER combine bleach with ammonia. Great tips for using bleach.