How to Lighten a Denim Jacket With Bleach

Fill the basin of your washing machine, or a large plastic bucket, with hot water. Don your rubber gloves to protect your skin from the bleach as you work.

Measure 1 quart of bleach and add it to the basin or plastic bucket. Blend the mixture with a stirring stick to distribute the bleach throughout the water.

Place the denim jacket into the basin or bucket. For the first two minutes of submersion, gently agitate the jacket with your stirring stick. Allow the jacket to rest undisturbed in the solution for at least five minutes.

Lift the jacket out of the solution every several minutes to check your progress. Keep in mind that the jacket will appear darker than it actually is until it is fully dried. Remove the jacket from the basin or bucket once the desired shade is achieved.

Place the jacket in direct sunlight to dry. Once dry, launder the jacket as normal using your preferred detergent and fabric softener.