The Proper Way to Use Bleach in Laundry

Laundry requires a variety of tools—a washing machine, dryer, your preferred laundry detergent, and occasionally, specialized products to tackle stubborn stains. Bleach has long been a staple in laundry care, helping to maintain the freshness and appearance of clothes and linens. “Adding bleach to your detergent can enhance cleaning power, whiten fabrics, and brighten colors,” explains Mary Gagliardi, a scientist and cleaning expert at Clorox.

If you’re new to using bleach, it might seem a bit daunting to use it safely and effectively. However, the process is easier than you might expect. With a basic understanding and a few precautions, you can easily brighten your laundry. Below, experts share tips on how to use bleach in laundry correctly. 

Types of Bleach

Not all bleaches are the same, so knowing the differences is crucial to avoid mishaps like discoloration on your favorite clothes. Laundry bleaches are typically divided into two main types, as indicated on care labels: chlorine bleach and non-chlorine bleach. 

Chlorine Bleach

According to Gagliardi, chlorine bleach is often known as standard or household bleach. It not only disinfects your laundry but also brightens whites and eliminates stains. (It can strip color, so avoid using it on non-white fabrics.) Sodium hypochlorite is typically the active component in liquid bleach, while sodium dichloroisocyanurate is found in powdered bleach products.

Non-Chlorine Bleach

Non-chlorine bleach is milder on fabrics and suitable for both colored and white garments, as noted by James Chandler, founder of Laundry On Demand. This bleach is often labeled as oxygen bleach, peroxide bleach, color-safe bleach, or all-fabric bleach. Its active ingredients usually include hydrogen peroxide, sodium perborate, or sodium percarbonate. 

Determining the Right Amount of Bleach

Chandler emphasizes that bleach products come with usage instructions crucial for both effectiveness and safety. However, the quantity of bleach can be adjusted based on factors such as the type of washer, load size, level of dirt, and water quality.

Gagliardi notes, “For dirtier clothes, larger loads, or hard water, you should use more bleach than the minimum recommended amount.” For instance, a standard washer might need ½ cup of bleach for a small or lightly soiled load, while heavily soiled or large loads may require 2/3 cup.

High-efficiency washers typically require bleach to be added via a dispenser, which restricts the amount you can use, making it harder to adjust for soil levels. To ensure optimal results, fill the dispenser to the maximum line, and for heavily soiled items, consider washing smaller loads.  

Proper Bleach Dilution Techniques

Chlorine bleach must always be mixed with water before use. Most modern washers with bleach dispensers handle this dilution process automatically.

Traditional standard washers (deep-fill models) may not include bleach dispensers, but you can still add bleach alongside detergent during the fill cycle, before adding clothes, to ensure proper dilution. “Alternatively, mix the measured bleach with a quart of water and pour it into the washing machine five minutes after the cycle starts,” advises Gagliardi. 

Using Bleach Without a Dispenser

Certain high-efficiency washers lack bleach dispensers and lock their doors once the cycle begins. For these machines, Gagliardi recommends adding powdered chlorine bleach while loading the clothes, prior to starting the washer.

If you avoid mixing forms, non-chlorine bleach can be added to the detergent compartment. For instance, liquid detergent users should opt for liquid color-safe bleach, while powdered detergent users can use powdered color-safe bleach. Pods can also be added directly to the washer with the laundry before starting the cycle. 

Essential Safety Tips for Bleach Usage

While bleach is excellent for sanitizing laundry and tackling stains, it’s crucial to use it carefully to prevent damage to your clothes or health risks. “The most important rule when using bleach, particularly chlorine bleach, is to never mix it with any cleaning products other than detergent,” warns Chandler. Avoid combining bleach with ammonia-based products, as this can create hazardous gases.

Gagliardi notes that chlorine bleach can harm certain fabrics like wool, silk, mohair, and spandex. Since some garments may contain unexpected materials, always check the care labels for fiber content before washing. “Using color-safe bleach can help maintain the cleanliness and brightness of these items,” she adds.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is laundry bleach the same as cleaning bleach?

  No! Laundry bleach contains a lower concentration of sodium hypochlorite, making it gentler and safer for fabrics and colors. Cleaning bleach, with a higher concentration, is ideal for disinfecting surfaces but too harsh for clothing.

• What fabrics should I avoid using bleach on?

  Bleach should not be used on wool, silk, mohair, leather, or spandex.

• Can you mix bleach with laundry detergent?

  Yes! Bleach can be safely mixed with laundry detergent to enhance whitening and stain removal (note: never mix bleach with ammonia). Ensure the mixture is only used on bleach-safe fabrics, avoiding the materials mentioned above.