Bleach is a common ingredient in household cleaning products that helps us keep our whites bright and our homes free of germs and germs. However, it’s also a chemical that leaves unfortunate stains on our clothes. Found bleach stains on your clothes? Don’t panic. Here you can learn how to remove bleach stains from clothing and save it from the bin or charity bag.
Tip 1
How to Remove Bleach Stains From Clothes: Is It Possible?
Unfortunately, bleach stains are permanent. Once the bleach comes into contact with the fabric, the stain sets, stripping the color or dye from the fabric. When removing bleach stains, the approach you should take is to restore the color that has been lost, not to remove the stain. First, you need to neutralize the bleach, as it can cause holes in the fabric if left for too long:
- Rinse the area with cold water to remove any excess bleach.
- Mix some baking soda and water together to make a thick paste.
- Apply it evenly on the stain.
- Let dry, then lightly brush off – you may need to use an old toothbrush.
After neutralizing the stain, you can try one of the following techniques to restore the color.
1. Rub alcohol
This technique is best for small stains on dark clothes.
- Put some rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball (available from a pharmacist).
- Dab the area around the bleach stain with a cotton ball.
- Then, start rubbing the cotton ball from the outside of the stain toward the center. The original color of the item should start to spread into the stained area, as the alcohol will loosen the excess dye from the fabric.
2. Fabric dyes
This technique works for both large and small stains, but you need to match the colors carefully.
- Go to your local supermarket or craft store and buy dyes that match the color of your items as closely as possible.
- Before you re-dye your clothes, buy a bleach solution and use it on your items to remove all the original dye. Follow the instructions carefully to get the best possible results – this is important to help with your new dye stick.
- Follow the directions on the dye package to re-dye your garment in the color of your choice. You can use most dyes in the washing machine or plastic dishes if you prefer. Remember to wear old clothes and gloves when dyeing to prevent any unwanted stains – although if this does happen our advice on dyeing from clothes will help.
How to Prevent Bleach Stains
Rather than taking steps to fix or remove bleach stains, ideally you want to prevent them from happening in the first place. Remember the following:
- If you use bleach in your clothing, make sure all care labels state that these items are bleach-safe. Bleach is great for whitening and disinfecting clothes, as well as treating stains – learn more about how to safely bleach clothes here.
- Never pour bleach directly on clothing. Always dilute with water as directed on the product label.
- Avoid washing colored clothes with bleach, as it can cause fading or discoloration. Only detergents that contain color-safe bleach should be used for color. Alternatively, if you want to keep your colors vibrant, it’s best to use a good color care detergent like Persil Color Washing Capsules.
- When cleaning with bleach, wear old clothing so you don’t accidentally get bleach on it. You should also always wear rubber gloves when handling bleach.
- If you are cleaning an area of your home with bleach, remember to tell others in your home so they can avoid brushing onto bleach-cleaned surfaces or accidentally tipping over and spilling bleach cleaning products on clothes.
Tip 2
Bleach stains can be removed from clothing, but the effect is not always successful when the fabric is black or dark. Bleach must be handled quickly. Sodium thiosulfate can counteract the effects of bleach, but may not work on dark clothes or old stains. However, it will stop the bleach from further stripping the fabric of pigment. Bleached black fabrics may turn green or brown before turning white. The second method is to simply cover the bleach stain. To successfully dye clothes, start with the cleaning steps. It will remove excess bleach and prevent reaction with newly applied pigments.
How To Get Bleach Stains Out Of Black Shirt
Step 1
Pour a cup of warm water into a plastic bowl or container. Add a tablespoon of sodium thiosulfate.
Step 2
Saturate the cloth with the mixture. Apply the stain.
Step 3
Apply the mixture until it is completely absorbed by the fabric.
Step 4
Repeat the application if the bleach continues to transfer to the cloth.
Step 5
Clean clothes according to care label instructions. If bleach stains don’t reduce, dyeing clothes is a viable option.
Covering
Step 1
Treat the entire garment with a stain remover. This ensures that no light spots are created in the bleached area.
Step 2
Dye items according to package directions.
Step 3
Wash clothes after death to reduce bleeding.
