Guide to Six Laundry Bleaching Agents

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

25 Jun 2008 07:06 AM

When you are in the laundry aisle of the grocery store, do you automatically grab the same kind of bleach each time because bleach is bleach? In fact, there are several types of bleaching agents that can be used on clothing. Each one has its own strengths and weaknesses and are more appropriate for some types of clothing than are others.

Here is a guide to common and uncommon bleaching agents that are available right now.

Chlorine Bleach

Chlorine bleach is the old standby that we usually associate with whitening our whites. It is the strongest and fastest-acting bleaching agent out there. It is appropriate for cottons, linens and some synthetics. However, chlorine bleach can quickly degrade fabrics, weakening cloths and causing holes if use improperly.

All-Fabric Bleach

All-fabric bleach is a slower-acting form of bleach. It may also be called oxygen bleach. This type of bleach works well on delicate or gentle care fabrics that allow bleach. It won't get your whites their whitest, although with regular use, this type of bleach can be effective.

Lemon Juice

This natural bleaching agent can effectively whiten clothes. To use lemon juice, take a gallon of water that is as hot as you can get it and add 1/2 cup of lemon juice. Soak your whites for at least 30 minutes, or overnight. You can use this bleaching agent on cotton and polyester, but avoid using it on silk. It works wonderfully on white socks and underwear.

Automatic Dishwasher Detergent

Automatic dishwashing detergent, such as Cascade, has long been known for taking out the toughest of clothing stains. Fill a bucket or your washing machine with water as hot as you can get it and dissolve two tablespoons of the detergent. Soak the clothes for 30 minutes or overnight.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is wonderful for bleaching delicate fabrics, such as items made out of wool or wool blends. Use a solution of one part of three percent hydrogen peroxide to eight parts of cold water. Soak your laundry overnight and then wash as usual.

Bluing

Bluing has been used in laundry since Victorian time and maybe even before. It is a whitening and brightening agent that is available even now in liquid form. The blue pigment it contains counteracts yellowing or graying in white fabrics. Dilute the bluing in water according to the bottle directions, and never put it directly on the fabric.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. Starting June 1st, don't miss her articles in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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