How to Remove Bleach Stains

Emily Fazio
·4 min read
3

We've all been there: a pesky bleach stain has left its unwelcome mark on your favorite dark clothes, towels, carpet fibers, or upholstery. You might immediately think that your complete garment or fabric is ruined, but there are a few tricks that can minimize the damage and protect the fibers. The most important thing to remember is: YOU NEED TO ACT FAST.

1. Rinse, Rinse, Rinse

  • Flush the affected area with cool running water for several minutes. Yes, water temperature matters. Avoid warm water. Cold more effectively dilutes the bleach with water and prevents further damage.

  • Absorb excess moisture. Dab the stained area with a dry, clean cloth to remove excess moisture. Avoid rubbing the bleach-stained item, as this can spread the bleach still trapped in the fibers.

  • If the stain occurred on a delicate fabric, check the care label. You can always contact a cleaning expert or take your item for professional cleaning services.

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2. Control the Side Effects

  • Create a baking soda paste. Mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste. Apply it to the stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. The baking soda as a cleaning product can neutralize the excess bleach and absorb any lingering residue. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.

  • Pour lemon juice on the stain. The acidity of a quarter-cup of lemon juice helps neutralize the bleach and restore some of the lost color. Rinse well with cold water.

  • Soak the fabric or item of clothing in a white vinegar solution. For stubborn stains, create a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts water. Soak the affected area in the solution for an extended period (30 minutes to an hour). Vinegar is also acidic, so it works the same way as lemon juice. *Important note: Never mix bleach and vinegar because the chemical reaction forms a toxic gas. Before soaking the cloth with vinegar, make sure you've thoroughly rinsed as much of the bleach residue from the item as possible.

3. Attempt Color Correction

  • Perform a rubbing alcohol transfer. Sometimes you can transfer dye from the surrounding fabric to the bleached area, minimizing the discoloration. This works best for small, fresh bleach spots. Dip a cotton swab or a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and gently dab the stain in a circular motion. The alcohol can transfer dye from the surrounding fabric to the bleached area, minimizing discoloration.

  • Use a fabric marker pen. Many small bleach stains can be treated with a fabric marker that's a close match to the original color. You might be tempted to use a permanent marker on a black garment—and honestly, that works too—but fabric marker formulas hold better when washed.

  • Use fabric dye. If the bleach stain is large or the color loss is significant, consider using fabric dye:

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4. Repurpose

If the bleach stain persists or the garment is beyond repair, get creative. Lean into the accidental spill and apply additional bleach treatments to build upon your bleach-stained area. Or, treat the entire garment a la the "reverse tie dye" trend. Even if a piece is ruined by the harsh chemicals, it can also be repurposed into something new.

By following these tips and tricks, you can wage a successful battle against bleach stains and keep your darker color clothes and fabrics looking their best. Remember, accidents happen, but with a little resourcefulness, you can keep your wardrobe looking sharp even after a close encounter with the laundry nemesis.