Cleaning bleach stains from dark clothes can be a tricky job. But you don’t have to fret about it anymore.
Although this doesn’t often happen with modern detergents, sometimes you might still find yourself dealing with it. If so, check out these helpful tips and tricks on how to clean bleach stains from dark clothes, no matter the fabric type.
It’s not always easy to remove stubborn stains like bleach stains, but with a little elbow grease and these expert cleaning tips, your wardrobe will be refreshed in no time at all! Read on for more information.
Factors to consider when cleaning bleach stains from dark clothes
If you have been a victim of accidentally spilling bleach on your favorite pair of jeans or dress, then this article is perfect for you! Bleach stains are very common and, if not handled as soon as possible, can render clothes unwearable.
In this article, we will go over the factors to consider when cleaning bleach stains from dark clothes.
- One of the first things to consider when removing bleach stains is whether the fabric can be bleached or not. If you are unsure, it is best to always test first in an inconspicuous area before applying bleach directly to the stain! When cleaning darker fabrics, there’s a possibility that removal methods could produce unwanted effects on the color of the fabric. It is important to be aware of this possibility, as different fabrics can bleach differently based on their chemical compositions.
- Another factor to consider when cleaning bleach stains from dark clothes is how long it has been since the stain occurred. If bleach gets onto clothes during the time of stain, then there’s a good chance that the stain can be removed without much hassle. However, if the stains have already dried up, then there’s a strong possibility that they will not fade away so easily. This is mostly because of how bleach works; it works by penetrating deep into the surface layers of cloth and effectively bleaching out stains within. If the stain has dried up, then this process becomes less effective and it is more difficult to remove the stain.
- Be sure not to apply any heat to the stained area, as this will only help set the stains further into your clothes and make them harder to remove.
- Lastly, consider whether bleach has been diluted before application. Bleach can be mixed with other detergents and chemicals to make it work more effectively. Depending on what you mixed the bleach with, it may not be as effective and you will likely need a specific cleaning agent that can aid in removing stains.
When cleaning bleach stains from dark clothes, it is important to consider these factors so you know which removal methods are most appropriate for your case! Keep in mind that different clothing types have different bleach-removal methods. Be aware of what you’re putting on your clothes.
Steps to Get Rid of Bleach Stains on Dark Clothes
Most people have faced a dilemma when it comes to clothes. Some clothes get stained the second they go inside the washing machine, and then some can get away with just about anything. Here’s how to successfully remove bleach stains from your clothes:
- Apply a little bit of baking soda to the affected area. Leave it for fifteen minutes before washing it thoroughly with regular detergent. Keep in mind that if there’s too much baking soda, it can easily change the color of your clothes. So make sure you don’t put too much baking soda on the stained area.
- Mix a solution of two teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide with half a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and a quarter cup of water. Put this mixture in a spray bottle and gently spray it on the affected area. Leave it on for a minute and then wash the clothes with cold water.
- Mix one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid, half a tablespoon of ammonia, and half a cup of hydrogen peroxide in warm water. Mix it well to ensure that all ingredients are combined properly before putting your dark clothes inside the washing machine. Wash as usual.
- Put half a cup of white vinegar in the washing machine along with your clothes after they’ve been washed thoroughly. This will make sure that all blemishes are removed from your dark clothes. After this, dry your clothes as usual.
- If there are still stains left on your clothes despite following these steps carefully, try laying them flat on a clean surface. Put some salt on the stained area before spraying lemon juice on it. Leave it out in the sun for a couple of hours and then wash the clothes as usual, with cold water.
Interested in getting rid of stubborn stains? Click here.
How to clean bleach stains from dark clothes naturally?
Bleach stains can be avoided if you are careful while bleaching clothes. However, if the bleach splatters on the clothes, too much damage can not be done.
It’s difficult to remove bleach stains from dark clothes naturally because there are many steps involved, and it’s not easy to get rid of the harsh chemicals present in bleach. Bleach is a chemical mainly used for bleaching clothes, but it can also be used to kill bacteria present in stagnant water.
Bleach is an oxidizing agent that reacts with biological molecules. Bleach stains are everyone’s nightmare, as they are impossible to remove if they have already dried up on your fabric.
Once these stains dry up on the clothes, they become tough to remove, and if you try removing them with harsh chemicals, the fabric will get ruined. Natural methods to consider when cleaning up bleach stains from dark clothes include:
1. Use of Lemon Juice
Lemon is a natural bleaching agent that can help in removing bleach stains. The citric acid present in lemons helps break down the chemical structure of bleach.
Take some lemon juice and water in separate containers. Dip the stained cloth into the lemon juice solution for about 15 minutes. Then wash it off with fresh water and see if you get rid of the stain.
2. Using Baking Soda
Use a tablespoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) in 2 cups of water, mix well, and use a brush to apply this solution to the bleach stains. Let it dry and keep it under the sun for about an hour, or until you find that the stain is gone, then wash it off as usual.
3. Using White Vinegar
Boil some water in a pan and add half a cup of white vinegar to it. Dip the cloth with bleach stains in this solution and keep it in it till the stains get loose. After that, wash off the clothes with fresh water and see if you can remove the stain.
However, if these methods don’t work, then you might have to call in professional services or go all out with bleach that is used for cleaning your toilets and mop it up along with some hot water to get rid of the stain eventually.
How to clean bleach stains from dark clothes through the laundry?
To clean a bleach stain from dark clothes, place the stained cloth on a flat surface and measure two teaspoons of dish soap and one teaspoon of baby oil into a bowl.
Use an eyedropper and add hydrogen peroxide until it is at the same level as the mixture in the bowl. Soak the stain for 60 minutes, then blot with a clean cloth. Finally, place the stained cloth in cold water with salt and baking soda and wash.
If the stain is still visible after using this method, try placing it in bleach that has been diluted by two cups of water, then soak it overnight. The following day, wash it with your normal laundry routine. For tough stains, use all-fabric bleach and repeat the process.
You’ll be relieved to know that, yes, you can generally take care of those pesky bleach stains if they happen on dark clothing. Though the process varies depending on the material and the type of stain, we’ve outlined a simple plan below:
- If at all possible, rinse off the cloth you’ve spilled bleach on immediately, while it’s still wet.
- If you don’t notice the stain until later, run the cloth under cold water and rub it in dish soap or laundry detergent before putting it in the wash with other clothes for regular laundering.
- Follow your regular washing instructions for that garment, but use the hottest water temperature possible.
- Use bleach-free products if you are washing your garments in a standard washer or using a normal laundry load setting on the machine you have at home.
- If the lightened area remains after laundering, dry clean. It is probably the quickest to buy new clothing if this happens, but you can also try to use a stain remover.
How to Clean Bleach Stains from Dry-Clean-Only Dark Clothes?
Stain removal is always a challenge. Bleach stains are the most difficult type of stain to remove. The good news is that there are several methods you can use to clean bleach stains if your dry-clean-only clothes get stained with bleach.
Bleach might be great at keeping white clothes white, but it’s terrible for dark fabrics, because it eats away at the fabric’s fibers, making bleach stains the trickiest to remove. Here are some ways you can get rid of those stains without having to take your dry-clean-only clothes to a professional cleaner.
Items That Are Needed For This Procedure
- mixing bowl (for the jelly and baking soda).
- Oxygen-Based Bleach (or hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol)
- Dishwashing liquid (diluted in water) or white vinegar (diluted in water) or dry cleaning solvent
Procedure
- Mix 1/4 cup (60 ml) petroleum jelly with 1 cup (240 ml) oxygen-based bleach and add this solution to 3 gallons (11 L) of water.
- Make a paste out of oxygen-based bleach and baking soda and apply it to the stain before washing your dry-clean-only clothes as usual. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then wash the clothes as usual.
- With an eyedropper, place hydrogen peroxide directly on the stained areas and allow it to soak for 5 minutes. After that, wash your dry-cleaned clothes as usual.
- Use an eyedropper to apply rubbing alcohol directly onto the stain, then let it sit for 10 minutes before washing your dry-clean-only clothes as usual. Finish off by air-drying the garment in the shade.
- Utilize dishwashing liquid directly on the stain, then wash your clothes as usual with cold water. Finish off by air-drying the garment in the shade.
- Hand wash your dry-clean-only clothes using a solution of dishwashing liquid and white vinegar diluted in three cups of water. Rinse the clothing thoroughly after washing it and hang it to dry in a well-ventilated area.
- Blot the stain with rubbing alcohol. Once dry, hand wash in soapy water and air-dry in the shade.
If you can’t salvage your dry-clean-only clothes because of bleach stains, take them to a professional cleaner immediately for the best results. Do not machine wash or dry these clothes before taking them to the cleaners.
For similar articles on cleaning stains, click here.
Final Thoughts
Bleach is a powerful substance that can whiten clothes and remove stains. Unfortunately, it also damages dark fabrics in the process. The good news is that there are ways to clean bleach stains from dry-clean-only clothing without going through too much trouble or expense!
In this blog post, we have outlined four methods for removing these stubborn blemishes using household items you are likely to have on hand. If all else fails, take your stained garment to a professional cleaner as soon as possible so they can use their expertise to save what might be unsalvageable otherwise. We hope you found this post helpful. Good Luck!
