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Bleach Myths about Fabric Safety & Bleaching
Doing laundry is one of our most time-consuming home chores, and when it comes to bleaching we always have our doubts and concerns about it. In an article written by Dr. Laundry, he tell us about the proper use of bleaching and the truth about certain bleach myths.
In his article he starts by saying that properly bleaching fabrics will not destroy them. When used as directed, it does not EAT your clothing or ruin your washing machine.
Key Bleach Usage Hints:
- The most important thing is to always read and follow label directions.
- Always use the proper amount
- Never pour full-strength bleach directly on fabric.
- Dilute it using one of the three following methods:
- Adding to your bleach dispenser;
- Adding with the detergent as the washer water is filling, but BEFORE adding clothes;
- Diluting in a quart of water and adding 5 minutes into the wash cycle.
Bleach Myths
MYTH: Bleach wears down fabric and shortens its lifespan.
TRUTH: Fabrics will naturally deteriorate from wearing, washing and drying. Abrasion from normal wearing and contact with other items during washing and drying are the major contributors to fiber degradation. So when your socks get holes at the toes or when your t-shirt stretches out, most of the wearing out occurs just by being worn.
Dr. Laundry and Clorox evaluated a wide range of normally bleached items- socks, underwear, towels, bed sheets, t-shirts, dress shirts and baseball pants. Lab tests have shown no significant difference in fabric damage after 50 wash cycles between detergent alone and detergent and liquid bleach. So what they have shown in their testing is liquid bleach does not significantly reduce the life of fabric when used as directed.
MYTH: If a garment label says don’t use bleach, do not bleach it.
TRUTH: It’s a shame but a lot of manufacturers will actually under-label items to minimize any legal liability. We know almost all cotton whites and most synthetic whites are safe to wash in liquid bleach. If a label on your whites says not to use bleach, test it in a hidden area.
Not everything is bleachable. Remember to check the label. Dr. Laundry doesn't’t recommend bleaching wool, silk, mohair, leather, spandex and non-colorfast colors.
For a laundry guide, please click here http://momsbuzz.typepad.com/laundry_guide.pdf. This document can be found under our Useful Documents section in our left-side bar for future reference and printing.
Now savvier than before in the laundry department!
- The Moms Buzz
source: Bleach Myth Busting 101: Fabric Safety & Bleach
Posted on July 7th, 2006 by Dr. Laundry
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