Bleach

Bleaches help whiten, brighten and remove stains.

Bleach converts stains into colorless, soluble particles that can be easily removed by detergents and carried away in the wash water. Bleach can also brighten and whiten fabrics and help remove stubborn stains.

Sodium hypochlorite bleaches (also called chlorine bleach or liquid household bleach) are the more powerful laundry bleaches; they disinfect, as well as clean and whiten. They work on many whites and colorfast washables, but not on wools or silks. Oxygen (color-safe) bleaches are gentler, working saf

ely on all washable fabrics. They work best to maintain whiteness, not restore it.

For Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach, read the label and dilute as directed. For best results, add five minutes after the wash cycle has begun to agitate. This is in order to avoid destroying enzymes and fluorescent whiteners in the detergent.

For Oxygen Bleach, add directly to the wash water before the clothes are added. Do not pour powdered bleach directly on wet clothes. Oxygen bleaches are most effective in warm-to-hot water.

IMPORTANT: Have doubts whether a fabric is safe

to bleach? Don’t guess – you may be sorry!

Read the fabric’s care label for specific instructions.Test first for colorfastness on an inconspicuous area by following the instructions on bleach package label.

Tips for using bleach in your laundry:

• Read the Label: Check the garment label before laundering. Some fabrics cannot be washed using liquid household bleach (sodium hypochlorite). If liquid household bleach is not recommended, you can use a color-safe (oxygen) bleach to help remove stains and odors. Also read the cleaning product label. Some detergents have color-safe bleach or bleach alternative built into the product. However, remember that these products do not disinfect.
• Test: Dip a cotton swab in the bleach/water solution and dab on an inside seam. If the fabric color remains, then you should be safe.
• Start small: Lay the stained section of the garment flat and be sure there not layers of fabric or anything underneath that can be affected. Work from the outer edge of the stain in, rinse with fresh water when the stain is gone.
• Bleaching the whole load: Read the label on the bleach product to determine the amount to use when adding bleach to an entire load of laundry. Consult your washing machine use manual to see if you should add the bleach to the drum or to a special dispenser, drawer, or section.

Chlorine bleach can be used to disinfect and sanitize laundry and well as kitchen, bathroom and other surfaces around the home. Disinfectants and disinfectant cleaners are the only products that kill germs—but they only work if the label directions are followed. Products that claim to kill germs must meet efficacy requirements and guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and must be registered with EPA and carry an EPA registration number on the label.

Safety Reminders

• Read and follow label directions at all times.
• Never mix chlorine bleach or any product containing chlorine bleach with ammonia, ammonia-based products or acidic products. The combination can be dangerous… or even deadly.