Hydrogen peroxide is the affordable solution to maintain brightness of the fabric without affecting their texture. Removing stains is a tough laundry task, but using hydrogen peroxide eases the task to some extent. Many color-safe detergents also have hydrogen peroxide added to them which help in removing stains without discoloring the clothes. Moreover, hydrogen peroxide is also a natural disinfectant and a whitening agent.
In this blog, we have mentioned the effects of hydrogen peroxide on clothes, why it should be used on fabrics, and how to use it safely in laundry.
Why Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Laundry?
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the main ingredients in many laundry detergents due to its whitening properties. Here are some advantages of using hydrogen peroxide as a bleach:
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It has oxidizing properties, which lift stubborn stains from fabric fibers.
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It brightens white fabrics and prevents yellowing.
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Compared to hard bleach, which is harmful to clothes, hydrogen peroxide is gentle.
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It is an effective disinfectant or antiseptic which ensures clean and fresh-smelling clothes.
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It is sustainable and eco-friendly and creates no toxic residue or harmful chemicals.
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It is affordable, as just a cup of hydrogen peroxide delivers excellent stain-fighting benefits.
Pro Tip - For best results, you can use hydrogen peroxide with baking soda, make it into a paste, and apply it directly to the stain.
How Does Hydrogen Peroxide Bleach Fabric?
Hydrogen peroxide reacts with the dye. A more potent solution (approximately 10%) can bleach your clothes by removing the color of the fabric. But, as hydrogen peroxide reacts in a varying manner, it is advisable to do a cotton swab test. For this, you need to dip a cotton swab in the hydrogen peroxide solution and put it on the hem of the clothes. This will give you an idea of what the effect will be.
The effect of hydrogen peroxide also depends on the type of fabric used. It is not considered good for synthetic fabrics like spandex, nylon, acetate, acrylics, flame-resistant clothes, wool, wool blends, silk and rubber (clothes having rubber print or rubber element), and polyurethane foam. It leaves a yellowish stain on them.
Will Hydrogen Peroxide Bleach Colored Clothes?
Hydrogen Peroxide does bleach clothes due to its oxidizing property. It bleaches colored clothes in the laundry and removes odor from clothes. A higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide (10-12%) can leave bleach stains on clothes somewhat like chlorine bleach. However, it cannot bleach the colorfast fabric. So, if you do not want unwanted bleaching, use a lower concentration of 3%.
Will Hydrogen Peroxide Bleach Black Clothes?
Hydrogen peroxide can bleach black clothes as well. The oxidizing effect of hydrogen peroxide can break down loose color molecules. This causes discoloration, fading, whitening, or bleaching of black clothes.
Will Hydrogen Peroxide Stain Clothes?
Yes. It does stain clothes. However, careful usage can help you avoid unwanted stains. Fabrics such as spandex, wool, silk, etc., are more prone to getting stained by hydrogen peroxide. Here's how to avoid stains from hydrogen peroxide -
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Use a less concentrated hydrogen peroxide (3%).
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Don't leave the fabric in the solution for too long.
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Rinse the fabric properly with cold water after treating it with hydrogen peroxide.
Note - Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on spandex, silk, or wool.
How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide as Bleach?
Hydrogen peroxide should be diluted with water to be used as bleach in laundry. If used directly, it can damage the clothes (fade the colors and damage the fibers). Before using hydrogen peroxide as a bleach, it's best to check the clothes care label. You will find instructions on the label itself on whether the piece of clothing can be bleached or not. There will be clear instructions like 'do not bleach.' This will save you from the trouble of damaged clothes or fabrics.
Here's how you can use your hydrogen peroxide as a bleach to make your white clothes whiter:
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Use your daily detergent powder and 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide in the bleach dispenser.
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If you don't have a bleach dispenser, dilute 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide to 1-2 cups of water. Then, add it to the wash drum.
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If the clothes are too dirty, let them soak for 10 minutes before washing.
If you want to bleach colored clothes:
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Add ½ cup of washing soda and ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide to the washing machine.
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You can soak them overnight to make brighter clothes by morning.
Conclusion
If you have white office shirts and tops that need washing, use hydrogen peroxide. It's an excellent choice, gentle and effective in enhancing the white color, making it brighter. Furthermore, this solution is anti-bacterial, gets rid of odor, and is environmentally friendly. The best part is that hydrogen peroxide is affordable. Keeping this solution in your laundry cabinet can help you ensure your white clothes remain white and odorless throughout the year.
