weheartitChlorine bleach and the laundry go hand in hand. Bleach is used for a multitude of washing tasks, including whitening, stain removal and disinfecting in the washing machine. But how much is too much bleach? Follow these tips by Mary Marlowe Leverette from laundry.about.com to use bleach correctly (and safely!)
1. Test Items before Bleaching
Before you use chlorine bleach on a garment, test the fabric to see how it will react to the bleach.
First, mix one part bleach to two parts warm water. Find an inconspicious spot on the garment like an inside seam or pocket of the same fabric. use a cotton swab dipped in the solution to dab the fabric. Allow the spot to dry completely before moving forward.
If you see any change in colour on the fabric or transfer of colour to the swab, do not use chlorine bleach on this fabric.
2. Never Mix Bleaches
Never mix different types of bleach. You can cause a chemical reaction that is harmful to your clothing and, more importantly, your lungs. This also applies to other cleaning chemicals like ammonia.
3. Dilute for Best Results
Chlorine bleach should never be poured directly on clothing. It can cause weakening of fibres and extensive colour removal. Mix 1 cup bleach to a litre of water before adding it to the wash tub.
4. Wait to Add the Bleach
To allow the enzymes in the laundry detergents time to do their job of whitening and brightening, wait about 5 minutes after the wash cycle begins to add your diluted bleach.
5. Make it Hot, Hot, Hot
Chlorine bleach works most effectively in hot water. It can be used in warm and cold water but you don't see the results you expect.
6. Keep it Fresh
Chlorine bleach loses its potency once the bottle is opened. Bleach should be disposed of after about six months
1. Test Items before Bleaching
Before you use chlorine bleach on a garment, test the fabric to see how it will react to the bleach.
First, mix one part bleach to two parts warm water. Find an inconspicious spot on the garment like an inside seam or pocket of the same fabric. use a cotton swab dipped in the solution to dab the fabric. Allow the spot to dry completely before moving forward.
If you see any change in colour on the fabric or transfer of colour to the swab, do not use chlorine bleach on this fabric.
2. Never Mix Bleaches
Never mix different types of bleach. You can cause a chemical reaction that is harmful to your clothing and, more importantly, your lungs. This also applies to other cleaning chemicals like ammonia.
3. Dilute for Best Results
Chlorine bleach should never be poured directly on clothing. It can cause weakening of fibres and extensive colour removal. Mix 1 cup bleach to a litre of water before adding it to the wash tub.
4. Wait to Add the Bleach
To allow the enzymes in the laundry detergents time to do their job of whitening and brightening, wait about 5 minutes after the wash cycle begins to add your diluted bleach.
5. Make it Hot, Hot, Hot
Chlorine bleach works most effectively in hot water. It can be used in warm and cold water but you don't see the results you expect.
6. Keep it Fresh
Chlorine bleach loses its potency once the bottle is opened. Bleach should be disposed of after about six months
If you're wary about the use of bleach, try EcoStore's Organic Pure Oxygen Whitener - a safer, effective alternative to bleaches.
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