How to Use Bleach on Colored Clothing

Before using bleach on colored clothes it’s important to first check for colorfastness. You can do this with a simple bleachability test:

1. Mix

   Dilute 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of Clorox® Bleach or Clorox® Scented Bleach in 1/3 cup of water.
2. Apply

   Apply a drop of this solution to a hidden part of the colored item, such as the hems, cuffs or inside seams.
3. Rinse

   Wait 1 minute, then rinse.
4. Verify

   Check the spot where you applied the bleach solution. No color change means the item can be safely bleached.

When washing colored clothes with bleach, the correct amount to use for an average load is 250 ml (top-loading machines) or 125 ml (front-loading machines). When you add bleach, the main thing to avoid is having undiluted bleach accidentally contact your clothes. This is important for both white and bleach-safe colored items.

Add bleach to the washer while it is filling and before you add the load. It’s also good to swirl the agitator when the washer is about half-filled to mix in the bleach before adding the load. Also, using a measuring cup ensures that you are using the correct amount of bleach and helps prevent spillage.