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Washing Machines and Dryers
How to Use Bleach in Your Washing Machine Download ArticleExplore this Article methods 1 Bleaching Items in the Washing Machine 2 Sanitizing Your Washing Machine with Bleach Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Things You'll Need Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by James Sears
Last Updated: September 8, 2024
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This article was co-authored by James Sears. James Sears leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. James is an expert in all things clean and provides transformative experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment. James is a current Trustee Scholar at the University of Southern California. This article has been viewed 369,620 times.
Using bleach in your washing machine can be a game-changer, but only if you use it the right way. Adding bleach at the wrong time or not diluting it first can lead to a laundry catastrophe (think bleach stains all over your favorite clothes). Don’t worry—this wikiHow will walk you through the dos and don’ts of using bleach in your washing machine so you can keep your clothes bright and stain-free.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Bleaching Items in the Washing Machine
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1 Adjust your washing machine to the highest heat setting. High temperatures help to activate the bleach and make it more effective. Press the “hot cycle” button or turn the dial to the highest temperature.[1]XResearch source
Check the label of each item before you put it in the machine. If it can’t be exposed to hot water, set the machine to a warm wash instead.
2 Place a capful of laundry detergent into the washing machine. This helps to agitate the dirt out of the clothes and removes stains. Pour the laundry detergent directly into the barrel of the machine (or into the dispenser, if your washing machine has one.)[2]XResearch source
If you are washing white items, consider using a laundry detergent that is designed for whites, as this helps to brighten them.
If you don’t have any laundry detergent, use laundry powder instead.
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3 Pour the bleach into the dispenser if you have a front-loading machine. Open the bleach dispenser slot on the front of the washing machine and pour in 1 capful of bleach.[3]X Expert Source James SearsHouse Cleaning ProfessionalExpert Interview The machine will automatically release the bleach into the water once the machine has filled up. This ensures that none of the laundry items are exposed to undiluted bleach.[4]XResearch source
If your front-loading washing machine doesn’t have a bleach dispenser, dilute the bleach in 1 litre (34 fl oz) of water and add it directly into the barrel of the machine.
4 Sprinkle the bleach into the water if you have a top-loading machine. Press start on your washing machine and wait for the water to fill up the barrel. Then, open the lid and pour in 1 capful of bleach. This prevents your laundry items from being stained by the bleach.[5]XResearch source
It normally takes about 5 minutes for the washing machine to fill up.
If your machine has a bleach compartment, put the bleach in the compartment before starting the cycle.
5 Set the machine to a regular wash.[6]X Expert Source James SearsHouse Cleaning ProfessionalExpert Interview Adjust the washing machine to the regular length cycle. This gives the bleach enough time to be absorbed into the fibers of the fabric. Then, press start on the machine.[7]XResearch source
If you are washing delicate items, select the delicate cycle instead.
6 Dry your laundry as usual. Hang your laundry on a washing line or place it in the dryer. Make sure that the items don’t drip on the carpet or on pieces of clothing, as the remnants of the bleach in your wet laundry can mark fabric.[8]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Sanitizing Your Washing Machine with Bleach
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1 Set the washing machine to a hot, long wash. Push the hot wash button and then select the long wash option. The heat of the hot wash activates the bleach and helps it to deep-clean the machine.
Don’t put any clothes in the washing machine.
2 Add 1 quart (946 mL) of bleach into the machine. Bleach helps to sanitize the machine and reduces any lingering odors. Opt for laundry bleach instead of regular cleaning bleach, as this will be more gentle on your clothes – cleaning bleach can damage the fibers in your clothes and shouldn’t be used in a washing machine.[9]XResearch source
3 Pause the cycle to allow the bleach to soak in for 1 hour. Wait 1 minute for the washing machine to fill up with water and then lift the lid or push the pause button to temporarily stop the cycle. Leave the bleach solution to sit in the machine to give it time to sanitize and clean the barrel.[10]XResearch source
If you have a top-loading machine, leave the lid open to allow the fumes to escape. Don’t worry about this if you have a front-loading machine – the fumes will dissipate once the cycle finishes.
4 Restart the machine to allow the cycle to finish. Press the start button on the machine to restart the cycle. This pushes the water through the entire barrel and then empties it out the pipes, which helps to clean the entire internal plumbing of the machine.[11]XResearch source
Bleach your washing machine once a month to keep it in stellar condition.
You may want to run a second rinse cycle to help clean out any bleach residue.[12]X Expert Source James SearsHouse Cleaning ProfessionalExpert Interview
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Expert Q&A
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Question Where should I put bleach in my washing machine? James Sears Professional Cleaner James Sears leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. James is an expert in all things clean and provides transformative experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment. James is a current Trustee Scholar at the University of Southern California. James Sears Professional Cleaner Expert Answer Most washing machines have a special compartment or drawer where you can pour your bleach. 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 26 Helpful 5
Question How much bleach do I use to bleach my clothes? James Sears Professional Cleaner James Sears leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. James is an expert in all things clean and provides transformative experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment. James is a current Trustee Scholar at the University of Southern California. James Sears Professional Cleaner Expert Answer Add 1 capful of bleach to the bleach compartment on your washing machine. This is enough to bleach a load of laundry. 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 8 Helpful 3
Question Do I need to rinse the washer after using bleach? James Sears Professional Cleaner James Sears leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. James is an expert in all things clean and provides transformative experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment. James is a current Trustee Scholar at the University of Southern California. James Sears Professional Cleaner Expert Answer If you're worried about bleach remaining in the washer, you might want to run an extra rinse cycle to get rid of any remaining residue. 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 3 Helpful 7
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Video
Things You’ll Need
Bleaching Items in the Washing Machine
1 capful of laundry detergent
1 capful of bleach
Sanitizing Your Washing Machine with Bleach
1 quart (946 mL) of bleach
Tips
Opt for a natural bleach if you have sensitive skin. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
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↑ James Sears. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
About This Article
Co-authored by: James Sears Professional Cleaner This article was co-authored by James Sears. James Sears leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. James is an expert in all things clean and provides transformative experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment. James is a current Trustee Scholar at the University of Southern California. This article has been viewed 369,620 times. 40 votes - 72% Co-authors: 8Updated: September 8, 2024 Views: 369,620 Categories: Washing Machines and Dryers In other languages Hindi Spanish Arabic Dutch Indonesian Korean Portuguese Thai German French Turkish Chinese Vietnamese Japanese
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Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Bleaching Items in the Washing Machine 2 Sanitizing Your Washing Machine with Bleach Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Things You'll Need Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by James Sears 
How toClean a Dishwasher with Bleach 
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Co-authored by: James Sears Professional Cleaner This article was co-authored by James Sears. James Sears leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. James is an expert in all things clean and provides transformative experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment. James is a current Trustee Scholar at the University of Southern California. This article has been viewed 369,620 times. 40 votes - 72% Co-authors: 8 Updated: September 8, 2024 Views: 369,620 Categories: Washing Machines and Dryers In other languages Hindi Spanish Arabic Dutch Indonesian Korean Portuguese Thai German French Turkish Chinese Vietnamese Japanese 
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1 Adjust your washing machine to the highest heat setting. High temperatures help to activate the bleach and make it more effective. Press the “hot cycle” button or turn the dial to the highest temperature.[1] 
2 Place a capful of laundry detergent into the washing machine. This helps to agitate the dirt out of the clothes and removes stains. Pour the laundry detergent directly into the barrel of the machine (or into the dispenser, if your washing machine has one.)[2] 
3 Pour the bleach into the dispenser if you have a front-loading machine. Open the bleach dispenser slot on the front of the washing machine and pour in 1 capful of bleach.[3] The machine will automatically release the bleach into the water once the machine has filled up. This ensures that none of the laundry items are exposed to undiluted bleach.[4] 
4 Sprinkle the bleach into the water if you have a top-loading machine. Press start on your washing machine and wait for the water to fill up the barrel. Then, open the lid and pour in 1 capful of bleach. This prevents your laundry items from being stained by the bleach.[5] 
5 Set the machine to a regular wash.[6] Adjust the washing machine to the regular length cycle. This gives the bleach enough time to be absorbed into the fibers of the fabric. Then, press start on the machine.[7] 
6 Dry your laundry as usual. Hang your laundry on a washing line or place it in the dryer. Make sure that the items don’t drip on the carpet or on pieces of clothing, as the remnants of the bleach in your wet laundry can mark fabric.[8] Advertisement 
1 Set the washing machine to a hot, long wash. Push the hot wash button and then select the long wash option. The heat of the hot wash activates the bleach and helps it to deep-clean the machine. 
2 Add 1 quart (946 mL) of bleach into the machine. Bleach helps to sanitize the machine and reduces any lingering odors. Opt for laundry bleach instead of regular cleaning bleach, as this will be more gentle on your clothes – cleaning bleach can damage the fibers in your clothes and shouldn’t be used in a washing machine.[9] 
3 Pause the cycle to allow the bleach to soak in for 1 hour. Wait 1 minute for the washing machine to fill up with water and then lift the lid or push the pause button to temporarily stop the cycle. Leave the bleach solution to sit in the machine to give it time to sanitize and clean the barrel.[10] 
4 Restart the machine to allow the cycle to finish. Press the start button on the machine to restart the cycle. This pushes the water through the entire barrel and then empties it out the pipes, which helps to clean the entire internal plumbing of the machine.[11] 
James Sears Professional Cleaner James Sears leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. James is an expert in all things clean and provides transformative experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment. James is a current Trustee Scholar at the University of Southern California.