Can You Bleach Colored Clothes
Many people wonder if it is safe to bleach colored clothes. Although it is possible to use bleach on some colored items, it’s important to take a few factors into consideration before attempting to do so.
Consider the Material
The first thing to consider when deciding if you can use bleach on colored clothes is the material the garment is made from. Not all fabrics are suitable for use with bleach, and different types of material will require different types of care.
- Cotton and Polyester: These two fabrics usually stand up fairly well to bleach. Although it can still cause some discoloration, the addition of color-safe or oxygenated bleach will help to maintain the original color of the garment for longer.
- Velvets and Nylons: These delicate fabrics won’t react well to bleach and can be permanently discolored. It’s best to avoid using bleach on these items altogether.
- Linens: Linen can handle regular chlorine bleach without fading. However, the higher the concentration of bleach, the more the fabric can be discolored. Spot treating stained areas of linens is the best option.
The Color of the Cloth
Another factor to consider is the color of the garment. Brightly colored clothes and darker shades are more prone to fading when exposed to chlorine bleach. When possible, opt for a color-safe bleach instead. This type of bleach is much gentler and won’t cause as much discoloration.
Bleaching Techniques
If you do decide to bleach colored clothes, there are several different methods you can use.
- Spot Treatment: This is when you focus on just a few spots or stains on the garment. Use a cotton ball to dab a small amount of bleach directly onto the stain. Leave it for a few minutes before washing and drying as you normally would.
- Partial Dipping: This technique is when you partially immerse the garment in a solution of bleach and water. This can be an effective way to get out deeply-set stains and revive the fabric. However, proceed with caution as more delicate fabrics may be discolored by this method.
- Full Dipping: This method involves completely submerging the garment in a solution of bleach and water. This is the most effective way to whiten clothes, as the bleach is distributed evenly throughout the fabric. However, this method will also often lead to discoloration, so it should only be used as a last resort.
Final Thoughts
Bleaching can be an effective way to brighten and clean colored clothes, but it’s important to take a few variables into consideration before attempting it. Be sure to check the fabric type and color before proceeding, as some garments may not take well to bleach and could be permanently damaged as a result. For tougher stained items, spot treatment or partial dipping may be a better option.