Ever pulled your laundry from the washer and wondered why stubborn stains or stubborn smells still linger? The secret weapon might be bleach—but only if you know how to use it correctly.
Using bleach in your washing machine can brighten, disinfect, and refresh your clothes, but misuse risks damaging fabric or the machine itself. That’s why it’s crucial to get it right.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to add bleach safely, as well as helpful tips for best results.
Related Video
How to Use Bleach in a Washing Machine: A Complete Guide
Bleach is a classic cleaning essential, well-known for its power to whiten and disinfect. When it comes to laundry, using bleach in your washing machine can help tackle tough stains, brighten whites, and sanitize fabrics. However, using bleach incorrectly can damage clothes and even harm your machine. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to use bleach safely and effectively in your laundry routine.
Why Use Bleach in Laundry?
Bleach is more than just a stain remover. Here are some core benefits:
– Whitens and brightens: Especially helpful for white clothing, towels, and linens that look dull.
– Disinfects: Kills germs, bacteria, and viruses.
– Tackles Tough Odors: Useful for musty towels, gym clothes, or clothes left damp in the machine.
– Removes stubborn stains: Effective on food, drink, mold, and mildew stains.
Not all laundry loads need bleach, but for certain items, it can make a remarkable difference.
Types of Laundry Bleach
Before you start, it’s important to pick the right type:
- Chlorine Bleach (Regular Bleach): Best for whites and heavily soiled colorfast fabrics. Never use on delicate or non-colorfast colored items.
- Oxygen Bleach (Color-Safe Bleach): Gentler on fabrics and colors. Works well for brightening colors but not as strong in disinfecting.
Make sure to check the label on your bleach bottle and your garments before proceeding.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Bleach in a Washing Machine
1. Check Clothing Labels
Always read the care labels on each item before using bleach. Some fabrics (like wool, silk, spandex, certain synthetics, and flame-resistant items) can be damaged by bleach.
Look for phrases such as:
– “Do not bleach”
– “Non-chlorine bleach only”
– “No chlorine”
If the label is unclear, run a small bleach test on an inconspicuous spot before going ahead.
2. Prepare Your Load
- Separate whites from colors: Chlorine bleach should only be used on white or colorfast items. Using bleach on colored fabrics can cause discoloration.
- Do not overload: That helps bleach water circulate evenly.
3. Measure the Bleach
The standard recommendation is:
– 1/4 cup (60 mL) of regular liquid chlorine bleach for a regular large load.
– Adjust based on your washing machine’s capacity, water hardness, or heavily soiled loads (never exceed maximum line in bleach compartment).
If using oxygen bleach, follow the measuring instructions on the package.
4. Add the Bleach to the Washing Machine
For Modern Machines with a Dispenser:
- Pour the measured bleach directly into the designated bleach dispenser compartment. The machine dilutes and adds the bleach at the correct cycle, protecting fabrics.
For Older or Top-Loading Machines Without a Dispenser:
- Let the machine fill and begin agitating.
- After about 5 minutes (when the detergent has dissolved), carefully add diluted bleach directly into the wash water, not on the clothes.
- Dilute bleach in 1 quart (about 1 liter) of water before pouring, to avoid direct contact with fabrics.
5. Add Detergent
- Use your usual detergent, either in its dispenser or directly in the drum depending on your machine’s design.
- Bleach and detergent work together, but avoid mixing bleach with other household cleaners (especially ammonia or acids).
6. Select the Appropriate Cycle
- Hot water is most effective for cleaning and whitening, but always follow garment care instructions.
- Use a longer cycle for heavily stained items or very dirty laundry.
7. Dry Appropriately
Once the wash is finished, dry items as directed on the garment label. Sunlight can help further whiten and sanitize your laundry.
Important Bleach Safety Tips
Bleach is powerful, but it needs to be handled with caution.
- Never mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleaning agents. This creates toxic fumes.
- Ventilate the area. Keep windows open or fans on when using bleach.
- Wear gloves. Bleach can irritate skin and eyes.
- Use the correct bleach. Only use liquid laundry bleach in machines, not kitchen or “splashless” bleach products, which may not disinfect.
- Store safely. Keep bleach out of reach of children and away from sunlight and heat.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
Even seasoned laundress can run into problems with bleach. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Yellowing on Whites: This can happen from overuse or using bleach with hard water. Try reducing the amount and consider a rinse with vinegar (never mix vinegar and bleach together).
- Bleach Stains: If you see blotchy marks, bleach may have contacted clothes directly or wasn’t diluted enough. Always add bleach to water, not directly on fabrics.
- Lingering Smell: Wash an empty load with hot water and a little bleach to freshen the machine.
Bleach Alternatives
Not comfortable using chlorine bleach? Consider:
– Oxygen bleach: Safer on colors and has a whitening effect.
– White vinegar: Can brighten and reduce odor (never, ever combine with bleach).
– Baking soda: Helps deodorize.
– Lemon juice: Mild bleaching effect, especially in sunlight.
These alternatives are ideal for mild whitening and general deodorizing, though they don’t disinfect as powerfully as chlorine bleach.
Caring for Your Washing Machine After Using Bleach
Bleach can sanitize your washer, but residue can build up over time.
- Run a cleaning cycle: Most modern washer models have a clean-washer cycle. Use it monthly with hot water and bleach.
- Wipe down seals and door: Prevent mold and mildew by drying out the drum, door, and gaskets after washing.
- Leave the door open: Allowing air flow prevents moisture buildup.
Practical Tips & Best Practices
- Test for colorfastness: Dab a bit of diluted bleach on a hidden fabric area. Wait a minute, then blot with a paper towel. No color change? It’s safe.
- Dilute, dilute, dilute: Never apply undiluted bleach to clothes.
- Less is more: Using too much bleach can damage clothing fibers, causing yellowing or premature wear.
- Use bleach for special cases: Regular bleaching isn’t necessary for every load. Save it for soiled items or to revive whites.
Summary
Bleach is a powerful addition to your laundry routine when used with care. For sparkling whites and truly clean laundry, the right bleach, careful measurement, and proper technique are essential. By following the steps and tips above, you’ll get the whitening and sanitizing results you want—safely and effectively!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use bleach on colored clothes?
No, do not use chlorine bleach on colored clothes—it can cause fading or uneven bleaching. For colors, look for oxygen-based or color-safe bleach, and always check garment labels.
2. How do I know if my washing machine has a bleach compartment?
Most newer machines have a compartment labeled “bleach.” Check your machine’s manual or look for a small drawer or section near where you add detergent. If unsure, add bleach diluted with water only after the drum is filled and agitating.
3. Is it safe to use bleach every time I wash whites?
Using bleach occasionally is safe for whites, but frequent use can weaken fabric fibers and cause yellowing. Reserve bleach for loads that need extra brightening or disinfecting.
4. What should I do if bleach accidentally splashes on colored fabrics?
Immediately rinse the area with cold water. Dab (don’t rub) with water and a little mild detergent. Damage may be permanent, but acting quickly can minimize the mark.
5. Can I mix bleach with other laundry additives like vinegar or baking soda?
Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or any acid-based product, as this creates hazardous gases. Baking soda is generally safe to use, but always add it separately from bleach in the wash cycle.
By understanding how to use bleach correctly, you can harness its cleaning power without damaging your clothes or machine. Happy laundering!