Can Bleach Stain Whites?

Bleach and Bleach Stains

• A laundry booster and disinfectant, bleach helps remove stains and kill fungus. However, bleach itself can cause stains to a wide array of objects including clothing, wood, carpets and upholstery. Bleach stains typically present themselves as a yellowish discoloration on white fabric and normal laundering will not remove the discoloration.

Removal

• There aren't many options when dealing with bleach stains on white fabrics. Many times the bleach stain will permanently ruin the fabric. However, before chalking the item up as a lost cause, try sponging the bleach stain with color remover. Mix 1/4 tsp. of the liquid with 1/2 cup of cold water. Once the yellow stain is no longer visible, rinse the area with cool water and launder as you normally would. You can find color remover near the fabric dye in the laundry aisle. If the stain remains, however, consider dyeing the fabric the color of your choice.

Prevention

• The best prevention against bleach stains is to always follow the manufacturer's directions. Do not use more than the recommended amount of bleach for laundry and cleaning. When bleach accidentally comes in contact with white fabric, immediately flush with cold, running water. Another option is to use oxygen bleach instead of chlorine bleach. Oxygen bleach is safe for white and colored fabrics and will not damage or discolor the item like chlorine.

Considerations

• When dealing with bleach stains, it is best to remove it as soon as possible. The longer it sits on the white fabric the more likely the stain will become permanent. Never use ammonia or products containing ammonia when working with bleach. Mixing the two will result in dangerous and toxic fumes. Bleach itself produces harsh fumes that can cause burning of the eyes, throat and nose along with headaches, nausea and vomiting. When exposed to bleach fumes, immediately move to fresh air.