Home » Misc » How to use bleach in washing machine

How to use bleach in washing machine


How to Use Bleach in Laundry

Clorox® Bleach keeps white clothes their whitest and kills 99.9% of germs in your laundry. It works better than detergent alone on hard-to-remove stains including berries, juice, mud/dirt, ketchup, grass, coffee, red wine and tea.

Bleach is environmentally friendly

While they are sometimes referred to as “chlorine bleach,” there is no elemental or free chlorine in our bleach products. The sodium hypochlorite bleach active in Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach oxidizes soils and stains, and in the process breaks down almost entirely into salt and water. This makes it quite environmentally friendly. Since it’s even effective in cold water, you can save energy and still get great laundry results compared to detergent alone.

Remember to always check care labels to confirm fiber content before washing; avoid bleaching wool, silk, mohair, leather, spandex and non-fast colors.

Sanitize brighten and whiten laundry with Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach

How much bleach to add to laundry

ObjectiveStandard
Washing
Machine		High Efficiency
Washing Machine
Sanitization1/2 cup1/4 cup
Whitening and Stain
Removal (Normal Soil)		1/3 cupMax line in dispenser
Whitening and Stain
Removal (Heavy Soil)		2/3 cupMax line in dispenser

Gather your supplies

Before you begin, always check care labels to confirm fiber content before washing; avoid bleaching wool, silk, mohair, leather, spandex and non-fast colors. Also, test for colorfastness to ensure the fabric doesn’t become discolored.

Standard deep-fill clothes washer

  1. 1

    Sort Laundry

    Select bleach-safe fabrics that are white or colorfast.

  2. 2

    Select cycle

    A heavy-duty cycle with hot water and an extra rinse will give you the best performance.

     

  3. 3

    Start washer

    The empty washer will begin filling with water. When the washer is about half full with water, add detergent and bleach.

  4. 4

    Add laundry

    Don’t overload the washer; clothing should circulate easily through the water.

High efficiency clothes washer

  1. 1

    Sort laundry

    Select bleach-safe fabrics that are white or colorfast.

  2. 2

    Select cycle

    A heavy-duty cycle with hot water and an extra rinse will give you the best performance.

  3. 3

    Add laundry

    Add clothing loosely. Avoid packing laundry as this will overload the washer. Items should have room to tumble freely through the wash water.

  4. 4

    Fill dispensers

    Add bleach and detergent to appropriate dispenser compartments. These are usually labeled on the dispensers, but you can also check the user’s guide for directions.

  5. 5

    Start washer

    Once the cycle starts, the door is locked for your safety.

To hand wash, pretreat stains and clean visible soils, rinse to remove loose soil and fully soak each garment for 5 minutes in a solution of 1/4 cup bleach added to 1 gallon of cool water. Rinse and perform a regular wash following the laundry use directions.

For best results in a standard washer, dilute the measured amount of bleach in 1 quart of water. Add to wash 5 minutes after the wash cycle begins.

To sanitize, ensure that the laundry contacts the bleach solution for 10 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use more than ¼ cup in the wash cycle for really dirty laundry?

Yes! It’s always a good idea to adjust the amount of bleach to the soil level of your laundry. Just be careful not to overfill your dispenser, which can cause it to dispense bleach too early.

Check the User’s Guide for your clothes washer to see if it lists the volume of the bleach dispenser. If it doesn’t, you can use a measuring cup to see how much it holds when filled to the max-fill line. If you have a lot of heavily soiled laundry, consider dividing it into multiple loads.

Can I pretreat laundry stains with full-strength bleach?

No! Never use bleach full strength to treat any soft or hard surface. Bleach should always be diluted with water before it contacts fabric. Bleach dispensers do this automatically; you can do this yourself by adding the bleach to the water in a standard washer as it’s filling, before you add the clothes.

To pretreat stains before washing with bleach, use a ratio of ¼ cup bleach to 1 gallon of water, and make sure you soak the entire item for up to 5 minutes before machine washing.

Can I use lemon scented regular bleach to sanitize my laundry?

No. Only non-fragranced EPA-registered bleach products can be used to sanitize laundry. Check the label of your bottle and make sure it includes a specific germ kill claim.

Can I use Clorox® Splash-Less® Bleach to sanitize my laundry?

Yes, now you can! Check your bottle and make sure it was recently purchased and the label includes a germ kill claim. This product is used differently than our regular bleach products listed above, and you can learn more about it here.

I bought my bleach at warehouse store and it has a different name. Can I use it instead?

Yes. Depending on where you buy your bleach, you could also use any of the following: Clorox® Bleach1, Clorox® Regular Bleach3, Clorox® Performance Bleach2 and Clorox® Germicidal Bleach4.

Subscribe for tips and offers

How to Clean a Washing Machine With Bleach

Have you noticed a smelly off-odor in your washing machine or on your clean laundry, especially on towels when they get wet? Soil buildups on the inner workings of the washing machine are the likely cause.

That’s because there’s always a little water left behind inside the washer when the cycle is complete, regardless if you have a top or front load washer. It’s where you can’t see it, in the hoses and the pump, and even in the tub beneath the basket where you put your laundry. This water holds small amounts of soil and lint, which can build up over time. It’s the perfect breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria to thrive. And when odor-causing bacteria transfer to your clothes, they smell, too.

Routine maintenance is key

This is why washing machine manufacturers recommend regular maintenance to keep your clothes washer clean and odor-free, and all your laundry smelling fresh. Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach is specially formulated with sodium hypochlorite bleach, cleaning agents and corrosion inhibitors to make running a cleanout cycle easy and effective.

Be sure to run the bleach cleanout cycle when the washer is empty. Depending on how bad the buildup is, one cycle to clean your washer using bleach may be enough. In fact, you may need to run several for the problem to be brought completely under control. After that, run a cleanout cycle at least once a month, and at most once a week.

Do not put laundry in the washer when running a cleanout cycle.

Gather your supplies

Steps to clean your washing machine

  1. 1

    Select hot water

    Choose the hottest water temperature available on your clothes washer. This may mean selecting the “heavy duty” or “whites” cycle.

  2. 2

    Select an “extra rinse”

    Most washers have this feature as an option you can add to any cycle. If not, do this manually once the cleanout cycle is complete.

  3. 3

    Add bleach to disinfect

    Pour it into the bleach dispenser. Fill to the maximum level (the “max fill” line).

  4. 4

    Start the cycle

    Let the cycle run all the way to completion.

    Do not put laundry in the washer when running a cleanout cycle.

  5. 5

    Manually select an extra rinse if necessary

    If you weren’t able to program your washer with an extra rinse when setting up the cleanout cycle, do it manually now, and restart the washer. This may involve advancing the washer dial to the start of the rinse cycle on an older clothes washer. This ensures no bleach remains in the washer.

  6. 6

    Repeat steps 1–5 as necessary

    If your high efficiency washing machine still has unpleasant odors, repeat the process.

Frequently asked questions

Can’t I just leave the door to the washer open so it dries out?

Leaving the door open is not enough to solve this problem, because soil buildups are still present. Leaving the door open between laundry loads means it just takes a little longer for the problem to develop.

Can I use regular bleach to clean my washing machine?

Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach, which contains the sodium hypochlorite bleach active, can be used to run a washer cleanout cycle. Use a measuring cup to add the bleach to the washing machine dispenser.

Subscribe for tips and offers

How to use bleach in the washing machine

Manually bleaching clothes and linens is a laborious process that takes a lot of time and effort. But this is nonsense if you have a washing machine.

The question may arise: how to use bleach in the washing machine? How safe is it to use different bleaches while washing in a washing machine?

There are many tips to help you with bleaching things that have lost their attractive white color. nine0003

Some economy-class bleaches are more aggressive, so it is quite possible to return yellowed or grayed things to their former freshness. There are many products that contain chlorine.

Next, we'll figure out how to use whiteness in the washer. You will receive practical advice on how to properly use chlorine products.

Use of bleach in CMA

Whiteness is a chemical agent. Can chlorine bleach be used in a washing machine? What is the probability that the substance will damage the drum or rubber hoses? nine0003

Understanding this issue is quite simple: open the instructions from your washing machine. If it is forbidden to use chlorine products, the manufacturer will definitely mention this. If, nevertheless, the answer is yes, then the automatic machine model is assembled from plastic pipes, and the drum is made of high-strength metal.

Where to pour bleach

The washing machine has long replaced manual labor. Washing now does not take much time, and having a washing machine at home, you can easily bleach any thing, returning it to its original whiteness. nine0003

But the question arises: where to fill the bleach in the washing machine? For this, a special compartment is provided, which is located in the cuvette.

The container has a label that will not allow you to overdo it with the amount of bleach poured.

Do not forget that frequent automatic bleaching may damage the washing machine parts. It is recommended to use substances based on bleach very rarely.

Getting things done

All SMA owners know where to pour the powder. We suggest you use the instructions for the use of bleach:

  1. Having started bleaching things, you should first inspect. Having found metal products on clothes, it is recommended to remove them. If the parts are not removable, then it is better to use a product that does not include chlorine. From its impact, metal parts darken.
  2. Soak the clothes in cold water and place them in the washing drum. nine0042
  3. If you are planning a small wash, just pour a glass of whiteness into the compartment located in the cuvette. You can add laundry detergent if needed.
  4. If you pour bleach into the drum, you should definitely dilute it with a little water. Such measures will prevent tissue damage.
  5. Run a program that has the function of setting the temperature to 45 degrees or less. Rinsing will also work.
  6. Items should be rinsed twice. Why is this needed? To get rid of the unpleasant smell of bleach. For this purpose, the use of fabric softener is ideal. nine0042
  7. If you plan to bleach thin, lightweight fabrics, you need to know that they should be washed in bleach for no more than 15 minutes. The same applies to colored things. To prevent clothes or linen from spoiling, do not forget to follow the washing process.

These simple rules will help you figure out where to pour bleach so as not to ruin things.

Using Stain Remover

Most powder manufacturers make liquid laundry detergents. Whiteness for the washing machine is poured into a special compartment designed for this. But where to fill in the stain remover, many do not know. nine0003

The product is poured into the same container as the washing powder. The stain remover is perfectly washed out when washing. Using a stain remover is the ability to remove a stain from any item.

Advantages:

Knowing where to pour stain remover, whiteness and powder is the key to successful and high-quality washing. You will not have problems with gray things, stains on linen.

A washing machine and special products will help you quickly, without much effort, get rid of dirt, preserve the original shine and brightness of white things.

Where to pour bleach in the washing machine: you need to pour it wisely

Any bleach makes things cleaner, eliminates dullness and yellowness. Therefore, it is added to the washing machine. But not all bleaches can be poured into an electromechanical washing device. nine0003

Today we will tell you which bleaches can be used for automatic washing.

We will also advise you on how to use and where to fill the bleach in the washing machine.

Contents

  1. Types of bleach for automatic washing machines
  2. Oxygen bleaches
  3. Optical brighteners
  4. Instructions for using chlorine bleach in a washing machine
  5. Where to pour bleach in a washing machine
  6. Where to put chlorine bleach
  7. Cleaning the washing machine with bleach
  8. Washing with oxygen bleach in the washing machine
  9. Dry washing machine bleach
  10. Tips for better bleaching clothes in the washing machine

One common chlorine bleach is "White".

Belizna has a number of advantages:

Oxygen bleaches

These are a solution of hydrogen peroxide. In addition to it, they include: active surface agents, stabilizers, fragrance, optical brighteners, Ph regulators.

Oxygen bleach pros:

They are sold in both liquid and powder form.

Solutions of peroxide bleaches are short-lived: they lose their useful properties during long storage, they are stored in powders much longer.

Oxygen bleach powders give laundry whiteness at a temperature of at least 60 degrees. And delicate fabrics and colored linen at high temperatures can lose their original appearance, so for colored linen it is better to use liquid peroxide bleaches, which are much softer than powdered ones and delicately treat colored and thin linen, do not destroy the fabric, do not spoil the pattern. nine0003

Optical brighteners

Optical brighteners are another category of detergents that improve the cleanliness of fabrics. But it should be noted that the whiteness from them is apparent, which is given to clothes by luminescent dyes that are part of them.

Can chlorine bleach be used in a washing machine?

The disadvantages of chlorine-containing bleach are:

Before deciding whether chlorine bleach can be used in a washing machine, you need to look at the instructions for a particular brand. nine0138

In general, chlorine bleach is not used for automatic washing. The instructions for each model say whether it can be used or not. If the device has four compartments, it means that it is adapted for "Whiteness".

In machines where the rubber pipes are replaced with plastic ones and the drum is made of high-strength material, we use chlorine bleach.

Instructions for using chlorine bleach in a washing machine

If chlorine bleach can still be used in a washing machine, then proceed according to the instructions for use. nine0003

  1. First, inspect the clothing and remove all metal parts. If they cannot be removed, then do not pour bleach for automatic washing, because the metal will darken from it.
  2. Moisten the items and place them in the drum.
  3. It is better to pour "Whiteness" into a cuvette: 125 g of the product if a small amount of laundry is placed in the drum and 250 g with a fully loaded machine. The exact dosage is: one tablespoon per liter of water.
  4. Pour in the washing powder. It is needed for simultaneous washing and bleaching. nine0042
  5. But, if you decide to pour chlorine bleach into the drum, then before doing this, dilute it in a large amount of water so that the aggressive substance does not spoil the laundry. But it is best to pour it into a container so that the effect on the clothes is uniform.
  6. Set the mode to "Spot Removal". The washing temperature should not exceed 45 degrees.
  7. If there is no need for washing, then we set the “Rinse” mode.
  8. Rinse your laundry several times after bleaching. nine0042
  9. Spin the laundry.

Where to pour bleach in the washing machine

The washer has a container for pouring any bleach and washing powder. In modern washing machines, the container consists mainly of 3 compartments. It is important to know exactly what purpose each compartment is intended for and what detergent should be poured into it.

The quality of the laundry will depend on the correct filling of the sectors.

Washing appliances have a drawer or removable container. If the washing machine has a horizontal load, then the tray is located on its front or top panel. nine0003

If the model is a top-loading device, i.e. the hatch is located on top, then the container is located on the inside of the cover. Basically, the tray is equipped with a button that helps to remove the compartments and wash them.

Let's look at what these compartments are and in which compartment of the washing machine pour bleach.

One of the compartments, the smallest, for rinse aid. There is a restriction strip on the compartment. In most cases, there is an inscription on the sector: "Max". nine0003

But there are other markings. Different manufacturers have different labels. Most often it is an asterisk or a flower, there may be an inscription: “Softener”. Softeners, conditioners, antistatic agents are poured into this compartment (liquids).

The middle compartment is labeled A or I. This is the soak or prewash compartment that does not contain liquids. They only contain powder. The sector is located in the left or right corner.

The largest sector-compartment for the main wash. It may have a B or II marking, but if it does not, then pay attention to its size. Shampoos, gel-like detergents, stain remover, bleach for machine washing are poured into the compartment, washing powders are poured. nine0003

Location of compartments varies by manufacturer.

Where to fill chlorine bleach

If the washing machine is designed to use chlorine bleach, it has a special compartment for it. The cuvette must be fully extended.

Pour "Whiteness" into the special compartment, which is inserted into the prewash compartment. In order not to pour excess aggressive liquid, there is a label on the compartment that limits its amount.

Washing machine cleaning with bleach

Sometimes, if you do not follow the rules for using the washing machine, an unpleasant smell can appear, which is difficult to get rid of.

A musty smell may appear if:

  • you put dry, dirty clothes in the washer, gradually picking up more and more laundry, and only after all your chores, when you are free, wash;
  • after washing, you do not dry the drum, sealing gum and keep the door closed;
  • you are using a low-quality detergent or washing powder that is not intended for your model of an electromechanical device. From the remnants of the soap product remaining on the drum, mold is formed. It gives off an unpleasant smell. nine0042

A musty smell from your washing machine alerts you to sanitize it to kill harmful germs and bacteria inside the machine.

Never put laundry in a bad smelling washer, otherwise it will acquire the same smell as in the washing machine. The ingrained smell of mold on your clothes and bedding will haunt you for a long time.

There are 2 ways to get rid of the unpleasant smell in the washer.

  1. Laundry detergent without bleach is poured into the compartment and the mode is set at high temperature-90-95 degrees, but without underwear. This method of cleaning should be carried out every six months. After washing, the drum and sealing gum are wiped dry. We leave the door open.
  2. Pour "Whiteness" (liter) into the main wash compartment and turn on the 90-95 degree mode. As soon as the door warms up, pause the washer or turn it off completely. With "Belizna" the machine costs an hour or two, then we turn on the washing device to drain and rinse, introducing vinegar into the air conditioner section. The second time we rinse without adding any funds. nine0042

The washing machine can also be cleaned with Amway oxygen bleach. Pour it (100 ml) into the main compartment and turn it on at a temperature of 60 degrees without laundry.

Washing with oxygen bleach in the washing machine

Nowadays, many modern washing machines have a specially built-in "Whiten" program. If there is such a program in the washer, then first sort the laundry. First of all, wash your underwear: shorts, bodices, T-shirts. nine0003

Bed linen cannot be washed with towels, tulle with clothes, colored fabrics with whites. Cotton underwear can be bleached together, such as socks and T-shirts.

  • Put the laundry in the drum.
  • We fall asleep in the department for the main wash powder.
  • We wash clothes in a certain mode: tulle and thin fabrics in the "Delicate mode", we put bed linen on "Cotton".
  • After washing, pour or pour oxygen bleach into a special compartment marked with a triangle and set the “Whitening” program

If your washing machine is not equipped with a special bleaching program, instructions for whitening laundry are different.

Dry bleach for washing machine

As mentioned above, oxygen bleach powder is effective only at a temperature of 60-90 degrees.

Therefore, it is better to wash the linen first (the powder washes the linen already at 30-40 degrees), and then bleach.

Sometimes substances are added to bleach powder that bleach clothes at a temperature of 40 degrees. Of course, such bleach is expensive. nine0003

In this case, we put the washing powder in the prewash compartment and the bleach in the main compartment. Select the pre-soak mode and wash.

How to use liquid oxygen bleach in a washing machine?

Liquid bleach can be used not after washing, but during it. It can be added to the compartment by diluting a little with water some time after the washing powder has dissolved.

Tips for better washing machine bleaching

For better machine bleaching, soak your laundry in a solution of a tablespoon of ammonia and 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes, then wash it with bleach.

Learn more