Is Bleach Best in Hot Water?

Bleach

• Any substance that brightens, lightens and removes color from material is a bleach. Bleach has two main types: optical and chemical. Optical bleaches mask yellowing by reflecting blue light. Consumers use chemical bleach to disinfect and clean. If added directly to fabric, straight chemical bleach can deteriorate the fibers, so consumers normally dilute it in water before applying to a surface.

Bleach Types

• Common bleaches used in cleaning include chlorine bleach and oxygen bleach. Hydrogen peroxide is one type of oxygen bleach, typically sold to consumers at 3 percent concentration. It comes in a clear liquid form. Commonly used as an antiseptic, some consumers apply it directly to stains. It is effective at removing blood, wine, berry and other stains. When cleaning a stain with hydrogen peroxide the water is primarily for rinsing off the bleach, and hot water is not necessary. Chlorine bleach and other oxygen bleaches are commonly used in cleaning.

Chlorine Bleach

• Chlorine bleach is the strongest household laundry bleach and typically works best in cool water. Yet, when removing mold, Clorox, a manufacturer of bleach, recommends using hot water. Chlorine bleach comes in liquid and powder form. Liquid bleach has a shorter shelf life than powdered bleach, typically lasting only about six months. Over exposing fabric to chlorine bleach can destroy and yellow the material.

Oxygen Bleach

• Hydrogen peroxide is not the only oxygen bleach used in cleaning. Oxygen bleaches marketed for laundry use typically comes in powdered form, often labeled, "safe for all fabrics." It is a safe alternative to chlorine bleach because chlorine bleach can damage wool, silk, spandex and some blends and dyes. Unlike chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach needs hot water to work effectively, at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Activated oxygen bleaches are available that do not require hot water. The longer you soak the fabric in the oxygen bleach and water, the more effective the bleach is at whitening. The cooler the water, the longer you need to expose the fabric to the solution.