How to Get Rid of Bleach Stains

Bleach is commonly used for stain removal and is normally used to whiten fabrics. Unfortunately, the strong chemical composition of bleach can create light spots on darker fabrics. This dilemma is commonly known as bleach stain.  Now, is it possible to get bleach stains out of clothes? Read on.

Preventive tips are shown below:

• The use of color-safe bleaches is highly recommended to prevent whitening of items that should not be white.
• To prevent whitening of items, clean out the bleach dispenser before washing colored clothes. Oftentimes, bleach remains on the dispenser can end up on your colored clothes.
• Separate clothes that bleed from ones that do not dye-bleed. Wash the ones that would not bleed first. Items that bleed must be the last batch for washing.
• You should perform the rinse cycle step very quickly if you are unsure of the previous tests. You can put in white clothing or none at all just to try running and rinsing the washing machine. The rinse cycle test ensures that bleach is completely rinsed off.

If removing bleach stains is not possible, all you can do is cover them up. Products like sodium thiosulfate, natural bleach alternatives, sodium hydrosulfite, hydrogen peroxide and borax can help you manage bleach stains easily and effectively.

Borax – If you want to restore the quality of colors of the stained clothing, borax is a good remedy. Whilst it does not contain an oxidizing powder, borax can remove just about any type of stain, including bleach stains.

Hydrogen Peroxide- For small bleach stains, hydrogen peroxide is a well known stain fighter. Hydrogen peroxide has a shorter shelf life compare to other chemicals and compounds. Once it is exposed to air and light, the oxygen components of the solution are automatically released. The oxygen that this compound releases is very strong when it comes to bleaching. However, make sure that you use only 3% of hydrogen peroxide to get rid of stains; otherwise your clothing is in danger.

Natural Bleach Alternatives- This is considered as color safe bleach that is not as harsh as other bleaching products available on the market. The chemicals present on the bleach are weaker, but there’s no question as to their ability to break down pigments.  Oxygen bleach functions by releasing oxygen molecules which corrode the stains on your clothes.

Sodium Thiosulfate- Also known as photographic fixer, sodium thiosulfate can neutralize the effects of bleaching. It can efficiently restore the color and quality of a specific spot on your shirt. Simply blot the stain with a clean, white cloth moistened with the solution. You will gradually see the stain disappear. Next, rinse the fabric with cold water. If bleach stains are still obvious, repeat the procedure until you achieve the desired result.

Sodium Hydrosulfite- This works like the harsh chlorine bleach, only that sodium hydrosulfate is ecologically safe.

Vinegar- This has been used traditionally as a color restoration solution. Create a mixture of vinegar and water. Soak the fabric into the solution. Let the solution stand for a few minutes before rinsing the surface with cold water.

If the above mentioned solutions did not help in getting rid of bleach stains, you can use fabric color markers instead. Most fabric markers are washable so you don’t have to worry about permanently staining the fabric.