How To Get Bleach Out Of Clothes (8 Methods) - Oh So Spotless

Bleach is a powerhouse for cleaning, but it creates a nightmare when it splashes onto your favorite dark fabrics. Unlike a dirt stain, bleach actually strips the color dye from the fiber.

Technically, you cannot “remove” bleach. However, you can neutralize the chemical to stop the damage and use specific techniques to restore the lost color.

We have compiled the most effective methods to fix bleach spots and save your wardrobe. We will also cover how to prevent these accidents so you can keep your clothes looking fresh.

Key Takeaways

• Stop the damage: Immediately neutralize the bleach with a baking soda paste to prevent holes.
• Restore color: Use clear alcohol to spread existing dye into small bleached spots on dark fabric.
• Cover it up: Fabric markers and dyes are effective tools for hiding irreversible color loss.
• Safety first: Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia; rinse fabrics thoroughly before treating.

In This Article

• Fixing Bleach Spots
• Bleach Removal FAQs
• Preventing Bleach Stains
• Saving Your Favorites

How to Neutralize and Fix Bleach Spots

Time is your enemy when bleach hits fabric. You must act immediately to stop the chemical reaction before it eats through the fibers and creates a hole.

Before trying to restore the color, you must neutralize the bleach. Chlorine bleach will continue to weaken the fabric even after it dries. Follow this critical first step before trying the restoration hacks below.

1. Rinse the affected area with cold water to remove excess liquid.
2. Mix baking soda and water to create a thick paste.
3. Spread the paste generously over the bleach spot.
4. Let it dry completely.
5. Brush off the crusty residue with an old toothbrush.

Once the chemical is neutralized, you can try these methods to restore the look of your garment.

Clear Alcohol Method

This method works best for small spots on dark clothing. The alcohol acts as a solvent to loosen the remaining dye in the fabric and spread it into the white spot. You can use vodka, gin, or any clear spirit.

1. Rinse the garment thoroughly to ensure no bleach residue remains.
2. Pour a small amount of clear alcohol onto a cotton ball.
3. Rub the cotton ball vigorously over the stain and the surrounding colored fabric.
4. Continue rubbing to drag the dye from the good area into the bleached area.
5. Let the fabric air dry to see the results.
6. Wash the garment as usual if the coverage looks good.

Pro Tip

This technique requires patience. It works best on small splatters rather than large spills. If the spot is larger than a dime, you may need a fabric marker instead.

Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl)

If you do not have clear liquor on hand, rubbing alcohol from your first aid kit works on the same principle.

1. Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball or clean cloth.
2. Rub the area surrounding the bleach stain.
3. Move from the outside of the stain toward the center. This helps pull the dye into the white space.
4. Repeat as necessary until the spot blends in.

Fabric Markers

For black or very dark garments, a permanent fabric marker is often the easiest fix. We recommend the Rub-A-Dub Laundry Marker for a lasting solution.

1. Neutralize the bleach spot first using the baking soda method.
2. Place a piece of cardboard inside the shirt directly under the spot. This prevents the ink from bleeding through to the back of the garment.
3. Carefully color in the white spot with the marker.
4. Allow the ink to dry completely.
5. Apply a second layer if the coverage is too light.
6. Wash the item according to the care label instructions.

Sodium Thiosulfate

Sodium thiosulfate is a chemical often used in photo development and aquariums (as a dechlorinator). It effectively neutralizes chlorine bleach and stops the yellowing process.

1. Purchase sodium thiosulfate (often sold as “bleach neutralizer” or chlorine remover).
2. Mix one tablespoon of the crystals into one cup of warm water. Use a disposable bowl.
3. Wear protective gloves and dip a white cloth into the solution.
4. Blot the stain repeatedly until the fabric absorbs the liquid. Do not rub aggressively.
5. Rinse the garment in cold water.
6. Repeat the blotting and rinsing process until the yellow tint fades.
7. Launder the clothing immediately.

Pro Tip

This method works best on fresh stains. It stops the chemical burn but cannot restore color that is already gone. It is excellent for preventing holes.

Dish Soap for Fresh Spills

If you just spilled the bleach and the color has not faded yet, act fast with dish soap. This is an emergency response measure.

1. Blot the excess bleach immediately with a white towel. Do not rub.
2. Mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a bowl.
3. Dip a clean cloth into the soapy water and saturate the stain.
4. Rinse the area thoroughly with cold water.
5. Repeat until you are sure the bleach is rinsed away.

Fabric Dye

If the bleach stain is large or the garment is ruined, dyeing the entire item is a great way to save it. This gives the clothes a completely new look.

1. Purchase a fabric dye that matches the fabric type (cotton, synthetic, etc.).
2. Cover your workspace with plastic trash bags to prevent staining your counters.
3. Use a commercially available color remover first if you plan to change the color entirely.
4. Prepare the dye bath according to the package instructions (usually hot water and salt).
5. Submerge the wet garment into the dye bath and stir constantly.
6. Rinse until the water runs clear.
7. Wash the item separately in the washing machine.

White Vinegar

Vinegar is an acid that can neutralize the alkali properties of bleach. However, you must be extremely careful.

1. Rinse the bleached area thoroughly with water. This is non-negotiable.
2. Mix one part distilled white vinegar with two parts water.
3. Dip a clean cloth into the mixture and blot the stain.
4. Rinse the area with cold water again.
5. Wash the garment to remove the vinegar smell.

Warning

Safety Hazard: Never mix liquid bleach and vinegar directly. This creates chlorine gas, which is toxic. Always rinse the bleach out with water before applying vinegar.

Creative Alterations

Sometimes the stain is too large to hide. If the fabric is damaged, you can repurpose the garment instead of throwing it away.

• Tie-Dye: Use bleach to create a deliberate pattern (reverse tie-dye) over the rest of the shirt to match the mistake.
• Patches: Sew an iron-on patch over the spot for a retro look.
• Crop it: If the stain is near the bottom hem, cut the shirt into a crop top.

FAQs on Getting Bleach Out of Clothes

Why Did Bleach Turn My White Shirt Yellow?

Bleach can cause yellowing on synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and microfiber. The chlorine eats away the outer coating of the fiber, revealing the raw inner core, which is naturally yellow. This can also happen to natural fibers like cotton if the bleach solution is too strong.

Why Are My Clothes Getting Bleach Spots?

Mystery bleach spots usually come from residue. If you use bleach to clean your bathroom or kitchen, tiny droplets can land on your clothes without you noticing. Another culprit is the washing machine; if you ran a bleach cycle previously, leftover bleach might be sitting in the dispenser drawer or the drum.

Can You Get Bleach Off Black Clothes?

You cannot “clean” bleach off black clothes because the black dye has been removed. However, black clothes are the easiest to fix because you can recolor the spot. Using a black permanent fabric marker or a small amount of black fabric dye is highly effective for covering these mistakes.

What Causes Discoloration In Laundry?

Beyond bleach, discoloration is often caused by skincare products containing benzoyl peroxide (acne medication) or acidic foods like citrus juice. Pouring fabric softener directly onto clothes instead of into the dispenser can also leave waxy, discolored spots.

Can You Cover Bleach Stains With a Sharpie?

Yes, a Sharpie works well for black or dark blue items. However, Sharpie ink has a purple tint that may show up under bright light. For best results, use a marker specifically designed for fabric, as it will withstand washing better than a standard permanent marker.

Does Hot Water Neutralize Bleach?

Hot water does not neutralize bleach. In fact, heat can accelerate the chemical reaction of chlorine, potentially causing more damage to the fibers. Always rinse bleach spills with cold water.

Does Hydrogen Peroxide Get Rid of Bleach Stains?

Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent neutralizer for chlorine bleach. It stops the corrosive action of the bleach instantly. While it won’t bring the color back, applying it immediately prevents the fabric from disintegrating and developing holes.

Does Baking Soda Remove Bleach?

Baking soda does not remove the bleach stain itself, but it neutralizes the active chemicals. Making a paste with baking soda and water effectively stops the bleach from eating further into the fabric, which is a crucial first step before attempting to dye the spot back to its original color.

How to Prevent Bleach Stains on Clothing

Prevention is always easier than trying to fix a ruined shirt. Follow these simple rules to keep your wardrobe safe.

• Switch products: Consider using oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) instead of chlorine bleach. It brightens whites effectively but is much safer for colors and fabrics.
• Dress for the job: Always wear “house clothes” or an old apron when cleaning with chemicals. Splatters happen even when you are careful.
• Flush the machine: If you use bleach in your laundry, run a quick “rinse and spin” cycle on your empty washing machine immediately after. This flushes out residue before you wash your next load of darks.
• Check the label: Read the care label religiously. The triangle symbol with an “X” through it means “Do Not Bleach.” Ignoring this will lead to yellowing or shredded fabric.
• Dilute correctly: Never pour full-strength bleach directly onto clothes. Always dilute it with water according to the bottle instructions.
• Storage safety: Store bleach bottles on low shelves so they cannot fall and burst. Ensure the cap is screwed on tight after every use to prevent drips.

Saving Your Favorites

Bleach accidents are frustrating, but they don’t have to be a death sentence for your clothes. The most important rule is to neutralize the chemical immediately to prevent holes.

Once the fabric is safe, use alcohol, markers, or dye to blend the spot back in. With a little patience and creativity, you can make that shirt wearable again.

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