4 Ways To Get Bleach Out Of Clothes - 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 ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
• 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
• Cleaning Clothes
• Clothing Stains

How to Fix Bleach Stains on Your Clothes Download Article Rescue your white, black, and colored clothes from bleach mishaps Co-authored by Kamel Almani and Cheyenne Main

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Can you remove bleach from clothing?
|
• Neutralizing the Bleach
|
• White Clothes
|
• Black, Dark, or Colored Clothes
|
• Covering Up Stains
|
• Preventing Bleach Stains
|
• Video
|
• Expert Q&A
|
• Tips
|
• Warnings

|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Kamel Almani and by wikiHow staff writer, Cheyenne Main. Kamel Almani is a Laundry and Cleaning Specialist and the Co-Owner of WashyWash, a toxin-free and eco-friendly laundry and dry clean service based in Amman, Jordan. Kamel and his staff at WashyWash use Blue Angel certified and dermatologically-tested detergents. They also combine EcoClean and digital technology to provide an eco-friendly, convenient, and quality cleaning service. Kamel holds a BA in Design from the University of Applied Science, Amman. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 230,937 times.

Whether you accidentally spilled bleach on your favorite jeans or your white t-shirt has gone yellow, there are tons of ways to minimize bleach stains. Although you can’t remove the bleach stain, you can neutralize the bleach so the fabric won’t tear and lighten or cover the bleach stain with lemon juice or rubbing alcohol. We’ll also give you other ways to cover up the stain using dye or patches and tell you how to avoid bleach stains in the future. Read on for a complete guide to treating bleach stains!

Removing Bleach Stains from Clothes

• Rinse the stain with cold water until the bleach is removed. Apply a paste made of 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water, let it dry, then brush the paste off.
• Rinse the stain again to make sure all the bleach is out. If the garment is white, pour lemon juice on the stain and wash it with cold water.
• If the piece of clothing is black or colored, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rub from the edge of the stain inward to transfer the dye to the stain.

Steps

Section 1 of 6:

Can you remove bleach from clothing?

Download Article

1. Bleach stains are permanent, but you can try to restore the color. Laundry and cleaning specialist Kamel Almani says that “Bleach stains are permanent and cannot be removed.”[1] This is because bleach strips the color from the fabric. However, you can neutralize and remove the excess bleach and restore the color that has been lost.
   • Bleach contains active ingredients like sodium hypochlorite that break down the chemical bonds or dyes and pigments.
   • The amount of damage depends on the type of fabric, the concentration of the bleach, and how long the fabric was exposed to the bleach.
   • If the bleach stain remains after attempting the methods below, it might be best to seek professional help from a dry cleaner or fabric specialist to restore your piece of clothing.
Advertisement

Section 2 of 6:

Neutralizing the Bleach

Download Article

1. Rinse the area with cold water and apply a baking soda paste. This neutralizes and removes the bleach so it doesn’t weaken the fabric and cause holes to form. Mix together 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water to create a thick paste and spread it evenly over the bleach-stained area with a toothbrush or paper towel. Let it dry, then brush the paste off gently.[2]

Section 3 of 6:

Removing Bleach Stains from White Clothes

Download Article

1. 1 Rinse the item and soak it in lemon juice to remove yellow stains. Wash the fabric under the water to make sure all the bleach is completely gone. Pour or squeeze pure lemon juice onto the stained area and let it sit in the sun for a day. When you bring it inside, wash it as normal by hand or put it in the washing machine.[3]
   • Alternatively, add the garment to 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) lemon juice and 1 gallon (3.8 L) of boiling water, allow it to soak for 1 to 2 hours, then ring it out. Wash as normal by hand or in the washing machine.
   • If the yellow stain is still there, repeat this method or try a different method.
   • Lemon juice contains ascorbic acid, which can neutralize all residual bleach and remove any yellow staining.
2. 2 Alternatively, wash the fabric and apply hydrogen peroxide to the stain. Wash the area with cold water to dilute and remove any excess bleach. Mix 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of hydrogen peroxide in 1 cup (240 mL) of water. Dampen a clean cloth in the mixture and dab the stain. Let the mixture sit on the stain for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse the fabric with cold water.[4]
   • Hydrogen peroxide can help remove yellow stains and restore the fabric’s white color.
   • If the bleach stain is still there, use a bleach remover designed for white fabrics. Follow the instructions, and test it on a small, inconspicuous area first before applying to the stain.
Advertisement

Section 4 of 6:

Removing Bleach Stains from Black, Dark, or Colored Clothes

Download Article

1. 1 Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rub at the stain. Rinse the bleached area thoroughly with cold water. Pour a little bit of rubbing alcohol into a small bowl and dip a cotton swab or cotton ball in the mixture. Start at the outer edges of the bleach stain and work into the center to transfer the color of the fabric to the stain.[5]
   • The bleached area might still be slightly lighter than the other parts of the shirt, but this can help hide the stain.
2. 2 Apply white vinegar or lemon juice and water to the stain if it’s still there. Rinse the stained area thoroughly with cold water to make sure all the bleach is removed. Spray or dab the shirt with a clean cloth dipped in a mixture of equal parts white distilled vinegar or lemon juice and warm water. Let it sit for a few minutes.
   • Alternatively, wash the stain with a couple of drops of dish soap mixed in 1⁄2 gallon (1.9 L) of warm water. Dip a clean cloth in the mixture and scrub the stain from the outer edges to the center.
Advertisement

Section 5 of 6:

Other Ways to Cover Up Bleach Stains

Download Article

1. 1 Dye the bleach-stained spot with fabric dye. Laundry and cleaning specialist Kamel Almani says that the best way to fix a bleach stain is to “re-dye the fabric.”[6] Choose a fabric dye that matches the color of the clothing and follow the instructions on the bottle to dye the bleached area.
   • The dyed spot might not look exactly the same as the rest of the garment, especially if the bleach stain is way lighter than the original color of the fabric.
2. 2 Grab more bleach and turn your item into a bleach tie-dye creation. To tie dye your item using bleach, scrunch it up to create a spotty pattern or twirl it to make a spiral pattern. Place 5 to 15 rubber bands around the item to hold it together. Fill a bucket with warm water and a capful of bleach and place the item inside. Mix the liquid every 15 minutes to agitate it.[7]
   • Every 5 minutes, flip the item over so the bleach mixture covers as much of the outside of the garment as possible.
   • After you’re happy with the color of the bleached areas, remove the item with tongs and place it in a bag or on a plastic sheet. Let it rest for a few minutes, then remove the rubber bands.
   • Tumble dry the item on low in the dryer or hang it outside. Then your new tie-dyed item is ready to wear!
3. 3 Cover up the problem with a cool iron-on patch. Rather than trying to remove the stain, another option is to cover the stain. Depending on where the stain is, a cleverly placed patch or your favorite badge could do the trick![8] Simply follow the instructions to iron the patch onto the item.
   • If you can stitch, you can also sew a cool pattern over the bleach spot, like a heart or a smiley face.
4. 4 Fill in the stain with a colored permanent fabric marker. This might work best for black or dark garments. Find a fabric marker that matches the color of your clothing, color in the stain, and put it in the dryer for a few minutes or iron over the area to make sure the ink doesn't run.
   • Test the marker on a rag or old clothing item first to make sure you’ve chosen the appropriate color.
5. 5 Bleach the whole garment as a last resort. Add your garment to a large bucket of water, then add a capful of bleach. Swirl the item around in the mixture until your desired color is reached, adding more bleach as required. Rinse the item and allow it to soak for 30 minutes in a bucket of 4 to 5 gallons (15 to 19 L) cold water and 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) hydrogen peroxide.[9]
   • Read the label on the item to make sure it’s bleach-safe and wear rubber gloves before trying this method.
   • For white clothes, use a bleach pen or whitening product that’s specifically formulated to target bleach stains.
Advertisement

Section 6 of 6:

Preventing Bleach Stains

Download Article

1. 1 Wear light clothes and gloves when you’re using bleach. Wearing white or light-colored clothing can help hide any accidental bleach stains. It’s also easier to remove bleach stains from white clothes than colored or dark clothing. Rubber gloves and eye goggles can help protect your skin and eyes from the bleach.[10]
   • In addition, make sure other laundry or fabrics are nowhere near the area where you’re using bleach to clean or do laundry to avoid staining.
2. 2 Make sure all the care labels on your clothes say they’re bleach-safe. Bleach can help whiten and disinfect clothes and treat spot stains. However, using bleach on non-bleach-safe clothes can lead to staining and can weaken or damage the fabric fibers.[11]
   • Try to avoid pouring bleach directly on clothes. Dilute the bleach with water, following the instructions on the product’s label.
   • Washing colored clothes with bleach can cause fading or discoloration. When washing colored clothes, only use detergents containing color-safe bleach.
   • Sort your laundry by color and fabric type to make sure that white clothes are separate from dark or colored garments.
3. 3 Warn others in your home when you’re cleaning an area with bleach. That way, anyone in your household can avoid brushing up against surfaces cleaned with bleach or accidentally knock over bleach cleaning products. This can help prevent bleach stains from the beginning so you won’t have to worry about damage control.
4. 4 Replace your bleach with a milder laundry alternative. Standard bleach can be harsh on clothes and cause more bleach stains than milder versions, like Borax or Oxygen bleach. Add the mild bleach directly to warm washer water before adding in the clothes.[12]
   • Lemon juice is a natural alternative to bleach. Just apply it directly to any stains before you place your items in the washing machine.[13]
   • Try to avoid pouring powdered bleach directly on wet clothes to avoid staining.
5. 5 Clean your washer once a month to remove any bleach residue. If you put bleach in your built-in bleach dispenser in your washer, dip a toothbrush in a mixture of dish soap and water and scrub the dispenser. This can remove any excess dirt, grime, and bleach from the area before you start your next load.[14]
   • Put your washer on a quick rinse cycle after doing a load with bleach to make sure it’s free from any built-up product.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question

• Question Is there any way to get rid of a bleach stain? Kamel Almani Laundry & Cleaning Specialist Kamel Almani is a Laundry and Cleaning Specialist and the Co-Owner of WashyWash, a toxin-free and eco-friendly laundry and dry clean service based in Amman, Jordan. Kamel and his staff at WashyWash use Blue Angel certified and dermatologically-tested detergents. They also combine EcoClean and digital technology to provide an eco-friendly, convenient, and quality cleaning service. Kamel holds a BA in Design from the University of Applied Science, Amman. Kamel Almani Laundry & Cleaning Specialist Expert Answer Bleach stains are permanent, but you may be able to re-dye the fabric back to its original color. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 21
• Question Can you soak clothes in bleach overnight? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer You can, but make sure it’s a dilute or gentle bleach solution so that you don’t damage your clothes. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
• Question What happens to gray when you bleach it? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Gray dyes, as well as browns, often turn pink when you bleach them. However, it may depend on the kind of dye that was used in your item. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 10 Helpful 7

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

• As an alternative to regular bleach, you can also “sun-bleach” your other clothes by spraying some lemon juice on the stains and leaving the item out in the sun.[15] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Before applying any cleaning product or stain removal method, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure it doesn't cause damage or discoloration. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If your garment is beyond repair, consider up-cycling it by making it into a cute bag or cutting it up and using the scraps for a craft project. Thanks Helpful 0 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

• Keep bleach and chemicals to remove bleach out of reach of children and pets. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 4
• Try to avoid using vinegar to neutralize bleach without washing it out. Instead of neutralizing, it reacts with the hypochlorite and turns into hypochlorous acid and other dangerous chemicals.[16] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Advertisement

You Might Also Like

How toGet Rid of Bleach Stains How toGet Dye Out of Clothes How to Remove Dye Transfer Stains from Your Clothing Dyeing Clothes White with Bleach or Color Remover How toBleach White Clothes How to Get Spots Out of White Clothes, According to Experts How toBleach Your Clothing How toBleach a Shirt How toWash White Clothes by Hand How toBleach Cotton How to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other Garments 11 Ways to Get Yellow Stains Out of White Shirts & Clothes How Do You Neutralize Bleach? 5 Simple Neutralizers & How to Use Them How to Fade Clothes with Bleach Advertisement

References

1. ↑ Kamel Almani. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview
2. ↑ https://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-remove-chlorine-stains.htm
3. ↑ https://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-remove-chlorine-stains.htm
4. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-whiten-yellowed-wool-215329
5. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/sep/08/how-to-mend-bleached-clothes
6. ↑ Kamel Almani. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview
7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYi73F21Yno
8. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/sep/08/how-to-mend-bleached-clothes
9. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/sep/08/how-to-mend-bleached-clothes

More References (7)

10. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/natural-disasters/safety/how-to-safely-clean-and-sanitize-with-bleach.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/bleach.html
11. ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/detergents/using-bleach-laundry
12. ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/detergents/using-bleach-laundry
13. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/cleaning/what-to-clean-and-what-not-to-clean-with-lemon-a1493706190/
14. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/tips-checklists/how-to-clean-washing-machine/
15. ↑ https://keeperofthehome.org/forget-the-bleach-how-to-use-the-sun-to-whiten-your-whites/
16. ↑ https://facilities-med.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2011/12/Information-about-Bleach-Neutralizers.pdf

About This Article

Co-authored by: Kamel Almani Laundry & Cleaning Specialist This article was co-authored by Kamel Almani and by wikiHow staff writer, Cheyenne Main. Kamel Almani is a Laundry and Cleaning Specialist and the Co-Owner of WashyWash, a toxin-free and eco-friendly laundry and dry clean service based in Amman, Jordan. Kamel and his staff at WashyWash use Blue Angel certified and dermatologically-tested detergents. They also combine EcoClean and digital technology to provide an eco-friendly, convenient, and quality cleaning service. Kamel holds a BA in Design from the University of Applied Science, Amman. This article has been viewed 230,937 times. 1 votes - 100% Co-authors: 8 Updated: June 25, 2025 Views: 230,937 Categories: Clothing Stains Article SummaryX

Don’t panic if you’ve stained your clothes with bleach, since there are a few ways you can try to get it out. Mix ¼ cup of lemon juice and 1 gallon of boiling water in a bucket or tub and soak your clothing in it for 1 to 2 hours. If you don’t have lemon juice, pour some white vinegar onto the stain and rinse it out with cold water. You might have to repeat this a few times to see results. If the stain’s still there, mix 1 or 2 tablespoons of borax with 2 cups of water. Then, add this to your washing machine’s detergent dispenser along with some detergent and wash your clothing like normal. For more tips, including how to cover your bleach stain with a permanent marker, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish German Indonesian French Dutch Arabic Japanese

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 230,937 times. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Kamel Almani Laundry & Cleaning Specialist Co-authors: 8 Updated: June 25, 2025 Views: 230,937 100% of readers found this article helpful. 1 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote

Quizzes & Games

What Should I Wear Today QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Favorite Color QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhy Am I So Bloated QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

How toGet Rid of Bleach StainsHow toGet Dye Out of ClothesHow to Remove Dye Transfer Stains from Your ClothingDyeing Clothes White with Bleach or Color Remover

Featured Articles

What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)

Trending Articles

How Many People Had a Crush on You In 2025?What Song Was #1 On My Birthday?Who Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameAnswer These Questions, And We'll Judge You10+ Scary Phone Numbers to Call

Featured Articles

What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?

Featured Articles

How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality Test

Watch Articles

How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow toThicken Sauce with FlourHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)

Trending Articles

How Vanilla Am I QuizAttractiveness Score QuizHow toKissWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizHow toLose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksWho's My KPop Lookalike Quiz

Quizzes & Games

What Color Should I Dye My Hair QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizWhat Is My Style QuizTake QuizHow to Choose Bed Sheets QuizTake QuizCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizTake Quiz

• Categories
• Home and Garden
• Housekeeping
• Laundry
• Cleaning Clothes
• Clothing Stains

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

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --549