Bleach can be intimidating but by using it properly, you can easily and thoroughly clean white and colored clothing as well as coffeepots and countertops. Cleaning expert Joy Krause gives tips on using bleach and bleach alternatives.
- Chlorine bleach is best for white, all-cotton fabrics.
- More is not better--too much bleach can yellow your whites and break down the fabric.
- Follow package directions.
- To avoid damaging your clothes, first fill the washer with water, then add the bleach and allow it to agitate to be sure that the bleach is mixed in before adding clothes.
- A clear or white coffeepot that has become badly stained can be clear or white again if you pour in some undiluted chlorine bleach and let it sit for five to 10 minutes. When the stains are gone, wash the pot with dishwashing soap and rinse thoroughly.
- If your counters have become stained by food package labels, dab the stain for a few seconds with a mixture of half water and half bleach. Rinse thoroughly. This mixture is also good for killing germs on counters--just wipe and rinse.
- Always wear gloves when handling bleach.
Alternatives
- All-color bleach is safe for colors, polyesters and polyester blends. For tough stains on colored clothing, pour some all-color bleach directly on the stain and rub together before adding to the wash.
- Liquid bluing is a nontoxic, biodegradable and economical way to whiten clothing in lieu of bleach. Never put it directly on your clothes, but pour it in the wash water before adding laundry. If you can't find liquid bluing in your supermarket, try the hardware store.
- Lemons are nature's whitener and can be used instead of bleach. Add 1/2 cup lemon juice directly into wash water, or put sliced lemons in a bucket of water. Add your whites and let them sit for half an hour or overnight.
- Automatic dishwashing detergent can brighten whites as well. Mix five tablespoons of detergent in a bucket of water, or add 1/2 cup of detergent to your washer.
- Hydrogen peroxide is safe for cleaning and disinfecting delicate washables. Mix one part peroxide with eight parts water and soak fine washables for half an hour.
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