How To Bleach Clothes - Remove Stains With Bleach | Cleanipedia UK

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Bleach is a handy go-to cleaning product for two good reasons: first, it’s an excellent sanitising agent, designed to kill germs and mould before they have time to multiply; second, bleach also has fantastic stain removing properties – especially for white fabrics and some colour-fast clothes.

No one wants a hole in their favourite top, or discoloured blotches on their work trousers, which is why we’ve put together this handy guide to help you learn how to wash clothes with bleach the right way.

Whenever using bleach, always make sure to read the directions on the label and take any necessary safety precautions. If you’re using bleach on your clothes, choose a bleach product recommended for use in the laundry.

Bleaching clothes safely

Bleach is a harsh chemical that can be corrosive and will mark clothes and surfaces if used in the wrong way. For information on dealing with bleach emergencies, read more on Cleanipedia. Here are some safety tips to bear in mind:

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Always be sure to clean up spilt bleach as soon as possible, with a damp cloth.
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Always protect your hands with rubber gloves and your clothes with a plastic apron, so that you don’t rub against any spilt bleach accidentally.
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Make sure the room is well-ventilated.
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Use the right bleach format for the task: liquid for the machine and spray or pen for spot-stains.
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Be sure to test any bleach solutions on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first. If the bleach alters the colour of your clothes, use hydrogen peroxide instead (after testing it first, as well).
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Don’t bleach natural fibres like silk, wool, or leather, or certain manmade fabrics like Lycra – always read the instructions on the care labels first.
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Always follow the safety instructions on the product and contact a health care professional if bleach contacts skin and irritation persists.

How do you bleach clothes in the washing machine?

Bleach is perfect for keeping your whites in tip-top condition. It’s also great for sanitising dirty fabrics with dense fibres, like cloth nappies and towels. Always consult your manual before using bleach in your washing machine!

1
Set your wash to the highest temperature the care labels of your garments will allow.
2
Add the normal amount of detergent.
3
According to the instructions on the bottle, add bleach to the dispenser in your machine. Alternatively, wait for the cycle to start and pour in the recommended amount of bleach while the water fills the drum. Try to avoid bleach coming in direct contact with the clothes.
4
Run your wash as normal and then check the results.

Delicate garments are best hand-washed first and then soaked for 15 minutes in a very weak bleach solution and then rinsed. Ensure that appropriate rubber gloves and skin protection is worn.

How much bleach should you use?

The amount of bleach you’ll use for your laundry depends on what you want to achieve:

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Sanitisation: For a standard washing machine, you should add half a cup. For a high-efficiency washing machine, add a quarter of a cup.
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Stain removal or whitening for normally soiled clothes: Add a third of a cup for standard washing machines and the maximum level in the dispenser for high-efficiency washing machines.
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Stain removal or whitening for heavily soiled clothes: Use two-third of a cup for standard washing machines and the maximum level in a high-efficiency washing machine’s dispenser.

What type of bleach should you use?

In general, there are two types of bleach that you can use for clothes: non-chlorine bleach and chlorine bleach. The latter, which is also known as oxygen bleach, is much gentler on clothes. Always read the bottle’s label to ensure that you are using fabric-safe bleach. Also, to be safe, you can test garments for colour-fastness before using any laundry product.

If you’re spot-cleaning a stain, your best option is oxygen bleach in powder form. You can add a few drops of water to create a paste, then apply it to the affected area. Leave it there for about 30 minutes before scrubbing it off using a toothbrush.

How do you remove stains from clothes with bleach?

Bleach is a great stain remover for many types of marks. As with any type of stain, the first thing you should do is make sure it doesn’t dry – as this will set the stain and make it much harder to get out.

You should:

1
Make a weak bleach solution, dip in a clean white cloth, and blot the stain out (or use a bleach pen to target the stain).
2
Alternatively, soak the whole garment in a weak bleach solution.
3
Respecting the care labels, wash the garment as normal and then check the results.
4
Repeat if necessary.

Some oil-based stains should be spot-cleaned with detergent or a specialist stain remover instead. You can then put the garment straight into the washing machine with added bleach to make sure the stain comes out. Always follow the safety guidelines on the product and avoid contact with skin.

A collection of colourful knitted scarves hanging on a rack.

How to bleach clothes to change colour?

Bleaching clothes to change their colour requires caution and proper technique. Start by selecting a suitable fabric for bleaching, such as cotton or linen. Dilute chlorine bleach in water following the instructions on the bleach container. Submerge the garment in the bleach solution and agitate gently. Keep an eye on the colour change, frequently checking until the desired shade is achieved. Once the desired colour is reached, remove the garment and rinse thoroughly with cold water to halt the bleaching process. Finally, wash the garment separately using a mild detergent to remove any remaining bleach residue. It's crucial to wear protective gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when using bleach.

Colour bleaching techniques

Colour bleaching techniques offer a creative way to transform plain clothing into unique, eye-catching pieces. Here's a guide to exploring the world of colour bleaching:

1
Tie-Dye with Bleach: Begin with a plain, dark-coloured garment. Twist, fold, or tie it using rubber bands to create patterns. Apply bleach strategically or in a spray bottle to create stunning, abstract designs.
2
Bleach Splatter Art: For a trendy, edgy look, lay your garment flat and flick or drip bleach onto it with a brush or toothbrush. Experiment with varying distances and angles for different effects.
3
Ombré and Dip-Dye: Achieve the gradual fade of colour from dark to light with an ombré effect. Dip the bottom of the garment into a diluted bleach solution and gradually raise it to achieve the desired fade.
4
Bleach Stamping: Use stamps or stencils to create defined, intricate patterns. Dip the stamp or apply bleach with a brush for precision.
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Rinse and Neutralise: After achieving the desired effect, rinse the garment thoroughly in cold water to stop the bleach's action. Then, wash it separately to remove any remaining bleach.

Colour bleaching allows you to unleash your creativity, turning ordinary clothing into one-of-a-kind fashion statements. Experiment, have fun, and embrace the unique results of your bleaching endeavours.

Bleach is a useful cleaning tool, and if used properly, is effective in bleaching clothes. You might also like our article about how to remove bleach stains if it goes a bit wrong!

References: 1. Ferguson, S. (2019, August 9). How to Clean Laundry with Vinegar: 8 Earth-Friendly Uses and Benefits. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/vinegar-in-laundry#loosen-soap-buildup

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Frequently asked questions about bleaching clothes

Is it better to bleach clothes in hot or cold water?
Note that not every garment or fabric is suitable for washing in hot water. It’s best that you read the washing symbols on the clothing label to learn if it can be washed in hot or cold water. However, ideally, a hot water cycle is the better option when you’re running a bleach load.
How do you whiten white clothes that have yellowed without bleach?
Soap residue is one of the reasons why white clothes become yellow. To whiten them without using bleach, you can use white vinegar. The acetic acid in vinegar effectively loosens the soap buildup, making it easier to lighten, if not remove, the yellowing.
Can you put bleach in the washing machine?
Yes, as long as you’re loading hard-wearing, bleach-safe clothes.
How long should you soak clothes in bleach to remove stains?
The minimum soaking time in bleach is 30 minutes. As you soak your clothes longer, the stain build-up loosens more effectively. So ideally, you should soak your garments in bleach overnight to get rid of stains on clothes.

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