3 Ways To Bleach Towels - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Home and Garden
• Housekeeping
• Laundry

How to Bleach Towels Download Article Co-authored by Robert Shapiro

Last Updated: February 24, 2025 References

Download Article

• Using Bleach in a Washing Machine
|
• Soaking Your Towels in a Bleach Solution
|
• Handling Bleach Safely
|
• Tips
|
• Warnings
|
• Things You'll Need

|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Robert Shapiro. Robert Shapiro is a Laundry Specialist and the General Manager at Milt & Edie's Drycleaners & Tailoring Center in Burbank, California. With more than a decade of experience, he specializes in dry cleaning, stain removal, tailoring, alterations, and green and eco-friendly cleaning processes. Robert has also been featured in publications such as Cleaner and Launderer Magazine. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 148,946 times.

Chlorine bleach is a popular household chemical that is used for a variety of cleaning purposes. Bleach is commonly used on white towels to remove dirt and stains, and to restore the original bright, white hue. While it is a powerful tool for whitening household towels, it can also be dangerous if not handled properly. However, if you know the proper precautions and follow a few simple steps, you can safely, efficiently bleach towels from the comfort of your home.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Using Bleach in a Washing Machine

Download Article

1. 1 Place the towels you want to bleach into your washing machine. Select the appropriate load size based upon the number of towels you are bleaching. Be careful not to overload the washing machine.
   • Laundry that is packed in too tightly will not rotate as freely, and the agitator will not be able to clean it as well.[1]
2. 2 Set the water temperature to the highest possible setting. Choose a hot water cycle that is 30 minutes or longer. The hotter the water temperature, the cleaner your towels will be.[2]
   • Check the care label on the towels for any special instructions. Some towels cannot handle extremely hot water. If this is the case, use the hottest setting recommended on the care label.
   Advertisement
3. 3 Use the associated cap to measure the right amount of detergent. If your washing machine has a detergent dispenser, pour the detergent to the “max-fill” line. If your machine does not have a dispenser, add the detergent directly to the hot water as it fills the machine.
   • Most laundry detergent bottles have a cap that functions as a measuring device. Read the label on the detergent bottle to know exactly know much detergent you need for the size of the load.
   • It’s important to use the right amount of laundry detergent. Too much detergent will cushion the load and decrease cleansing performance, while using too little will keep the towels from being fully cleaned.[3]
4. 4 Dilute 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of bleach with 1 US quart (950 mL) of water. Use a large bowl, measuring cup, or bucket to mix the bleach and the water together. The appropriate amount of bleach can vary, so always add bleach according to the instructions on the label.[4]
5. 5 Add the bleach to the wash 5 minutes after the machine begins agitating. If your washing machine has a bleach dispenser, pour 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of undiluted bleach to the “max-fill” line. The machine will automatically release the bleach at the appropriate time.[5]
   • For front-loading machines that lock once the cycle starts, add the diluted bleach to the load at the same time as the detergent.
6. 6 Close the washing machine and let the cycle run as usual. Once the towels have run through the cycle and drained, flip them into the dryer or hang them up to dry. If the towels are not as white as you would like, repeat the process until you reach your desired result.
   • Skip the fabric softener, as it tends to leave a coating on towels that reduces absorbency and decreases whiteness.[6]
Advertisement

Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Soaking Your Towels in a Bleach Solution

Download Article

1. 1 Pour 1 gallon (3.8 L) of cool water and 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) of bleach into a large bucket. If you have more towels to bleach, you may need more water. Add 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) of bleach for every additional 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water.[7]
   • If you have a top loading clothes washer, mix the solution in the washer to prevent splashing the bleach on yourself or your work area. Set the washer to the “small” load setting and let it fill with cool water. Stop it once it starts to agitate. Most washers fill with about 12 gallons (45 L) for the “small” load setting, so add 3 cups (710 mL) of bleach.[8]
2. 2 Add your towels to the solution and soak for roughly 5 minutes. Submerge the towels completely in the solution. Set a timer for at least 5 minutes and no longer than 10 minutes.
   • Gently swirl the towels around every 2-3 minutes to make sure all of the towels get evenly soaked.
   • If the water does not cover the towels completely, remove the towels and add 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water and 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) of bleach to the solution. Continue adding solution at this ratio until you can completely submerge the towels.[9]
3. 3 Wring out the towels to remove any excess solution. When the timer goes off, remove the towels from the solution. Squeeze them several times to drain excess solution until they are no longer soaking wet.
   • Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin from harmful chemicals in the bleach solution.
   • If you’re using a top loading washer, you don’t have to wring them out manually. Simply advance the dial so that the washer drains on its own.[10]
4. 4 Wash your bleached towels in a washing machine with detergent. Use the hottest water setting possible. The hotter the water is, the cleaner the towels will be.[11] When the washing machine finishes its cycle, dry them in a dryer or hang them up until are completely dry.
   • If you’re using a top load washing machine, add detergent to the dispenser or directly to the towels after they drain. Then, reset the dial to the beginning of the wash cycle and let it run all the way through.
   • Check your detergent bottle to know exactly how much to use for the size of the load you’re washing.
5. 5 Scrub your hands with liquid soap and warm water. Use liquid disinfectant soap and hot water, and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Dry your hands with a clean towel. While using a towel helps remove germs, it’s okay to let them air dry if you don’t have a clean towel.[12]
   • If you need a timer, try humming the “Happy Birthday” song while you wash your hands. Scrub your hands for the entire length of the song, then use a clean towel to dry your hands.
   • Even if you used gloves to protect your hands, it’s a good idea to wash them properly to remove any bleach that may have gotten inside of the gloves or around your wrists.[13]
Advertisement

Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Handling Bleach Safely

Download Article

1. 1 Never mix bleach with other cleaning products. Mixing bleach with other cleaning products can release harmful toxic gases that can irritate eyes and respiration. In particular, combining bleach with ammonia releases chlorine gas, which can be deadly to inhale.
   • If sufficient amounts of bleach and ammonia are mixed together, an explosion may occur.[14]
2. 2 Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands when handling bleach. The active ingredient in chlorine bleach, sodium hypochlorite, is highly corrosive and can easily damage the skin. Rubber or nitrile gloves can protect you from unnecessary exposure.[15]
   • Make sure to wear clothing that will protect your skin from bleach splatters or accidental spills.
   • Wear a plastic apron to avoid splashing bleach on your clothing.[16]
   • Remove all other garments and fabrics from the area, since any bleach spill might remove their colors.[17]
3. 3 Mix bleach solutions outdoors or in a well-ventilated room. Open as many windows in the room as possible, and use fans to exchange the air inside the room with the air outside. Bleach contains powerful toxins, and the vapors can build up quickly in small or closed-in rooms.
   • Bleach vapors can cause eye or respiratory irritation if they are not dissipated effectively.[18]
4. 4 Choose a bleach product recommended for use in the laundry. Always check the label of the bleach bottle to make sure the bleach is safe to use in the laundry. Additionally, check the tag on the towels you want to bleach, as some towels will specifically say not to bleach them.
   • Chlorine bleach is the most popular form of bleach used for cleaning and may be used to bleach white towels as long as it is properly diluted.
   • Use a color-safe bleach containing hydrogen peroxide to bleach colored towels without damaging them.[19] Since this kind of product might not be readily available, it might be a good idea to take your towels to a professional cleaner.[20]
   • Never apply chlorine bleach directly to towels, as this can cause them irreversible damage.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

• Soak your towels in bleach solution within 24 hours of mixing it, as it decomposes over time if left unused.[21] Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Never use concentrated bleach directly on towels. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

• If bleach touches the skin, contact a healthcare professional if irritation persists for more than 24 hours. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Avoid touching your eyes when handling bleach. If bleach gets in your eyes, rinse them immediately for at least 15 minutes.[22] Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
• Bleach releases a toxic gas when exposed to sunlight, so always store it in a cool, shaded area away from the reach of children.[23] Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Advertisement

Things You'll Need

• Bleach that's recommended for use with laundry (preferably chlorine)
• Rubber or nitrile gloves
• A large bucket
• Laundry detergent
• Antibacterial soap
• Washing machine
• Clothes dryer (optional)

You Might Also Like

How toBleach Cotton How toBleach Your Clothing How toUse Bleach Without Ruining Clothes How toUse Bleach when Doing Your Laundry How toUse Bleach in Your Washing Machine How toDilute Bleach How toBleach White Clothes How toClean a Washer with Bleach How toBleach Jeans White How to Fade Clothes with Bleach How toWash Towels How toDisinfect Laundry Dyeing Clothes White with Bleach or Color Remover How toWash White Clothes by Hand Advertisement

References

1. ↑ https://www.clorox.com/how-to/fabric-cleaning/bedding/how-do-i-get-my-towels-and-bed-linens-really-bright-white/
2. ↑ https://www.clorox.com/how-to/fabric-cleaning/bedding/how-do-i-get-my-towels-and-bed-linens-really-bright-white/
3. ↑ https://www.clorox.com/how-to/fabric-cleaning/bedding/how-do-i-get-my-towels-and-bed-linens-really-bright-white/
4. ↑ https://www.clorox.com/how-to/fabric-cleaning/bedding/how-do-i-get-my-towels-and-bed-linens-really-bright-white/
5. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-bleach-clothes.html
6. ↑ https://www.clorox.com/how-to/fabric-cleaning/bedding/how-do-i-get-my-towels-and-bed-linens-really-bright-white/
7. ↑ https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/general_decontamination_fact.pdf
8. ↑ https://www.clorox.com/how-to/fabric-cleaning/towels/soaking-white-bath-towels/
9. ↑ https://www.clorox.com/how-to/fabric-cleaning/towels/soaking-white-bath-towels/

More References (14)

10. ↑ ttps://www.clorox.com/how-to/fabric-cleaning/towels/soaking-white-bath-towels/
11. ↑ https://www.clorox.com/how-to/fabric-cleaning/bedding/how-do-i-get-my-towels-and-bed-linens-really-bright-white/
12. ↑ https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/general_decontamination_fact.pdf
13. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/index.html
14. ↑ https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/flood/home/chlorine-bleach-safety
15. ↑ https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/flood/home/chlorine-bleach-safety
16. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-bleach-clothes.html
17. ↑ Robert Shapiro. Laundry Specialist. Expert Interview
18. ↑ https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/flood/home/chlorine-bleach-safety
19. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-bleach-clothes.html
20. ↑ Robert Shapiro. Laundry Specialist. Expert Interview
21. ↑ https://www.info.gov.hk/info/sars/en/useofbleach.htm
22. ↑ https://www.info.gov.hk/info/sars/en/useofbleach.htm
23. ↑ https://www.info.gov.hk/info/sars/en/useofbleach.htm

About This Article

Co-authored by: Robert Shapiro Laundry Specialist This article was co-authored by Robert Shapiro. Robert Shapiro is a Laundry Specialist and the General Manager at Milt & Edie's Drycleaners & Tailoring Center in Burbank, California. With more than a decade of experience, he specializes in dry cleaning, stain removal, tailoring, alterations, and green and eco-friendly cleaning processes. Robert has also been featured in publications such as Cleaner and Launderer Magazine. This article has been viewed 148,946 times. 13 votes - 60% Co-authors: 7 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 148,946 Categories: Laundry In other languages Spanish German Portuguese French

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 148,946 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Robert Shapiro Laundry Specialist 13 votes - 60% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 7 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 148,946

Quizzes & Games

Do I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizOCD TestTake QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizHow to Choose Bed Sheets QuizTake QuizWhat’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?Take Quiz

You Might Also Like

How toBleach CottonHow toBleach Your ClothingHow toUse Bleach Without Ruining ClothesHow toUse Bleach when Doing Your Laundry

Trending Articles

Do You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?How toTell That Your Crush Likes You Back100+ Flirty Things to Say to a Girl & Boost Her Self-EsteemCat Sleeping Positions: 22 Common Poses ExplainedSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouWhat Emojis Mean Sex?

Watch Articles

How toCalculate the Volume of a PyramidThe Best Way to Exfoliate Your Scalp (Plus, What to Use)How toSave Money as a KidHow toPolish Aluminum2 Easy Renter-Friendly Options to Hang Your Window TreatmentsHow to Insert Slide Numbers in PowerPoint

Trending Articles

Why Can't I Sleep QuizHow toBe PrettyThe Most Attractive Zodiac Signs & What Makes Each Sign Beautiful24 Different Types of Bras ExplainedHow to Play the Concentrate Game (For A Little Scare!)What Does Your Rice Purity Score Really Mean?

Quizzes & Games

How Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizPizza CalculatorWhat Are The Best Compression Socks For Me QuizTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizTake Quiz

• Categories
• Home and Garden
• Housekeeping
• Laundry

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

Let's do this! X --495