How to Remove Bleach Stains from Dark Clothes

Bleach is a common household substance used in a variety of ways. It helps germs from thriving on different surfaces. In white clothes, you can use it to remove stains. However, using bleach can stain dark clothes.

So, if you think white clothes are the only ones prone to staining, think again. Today we will guide you on the best way to remove bleach stains from your favorite dark clothes to help save your style.

Color restoration on bleach-stained dark clothes

The purpose of bleach on white clothes is to get rid of stains and bring back the bright color it once had. However, bleaching dark clothes leaves them spotted. The spotted area is the one we will be fixing. And fixing it means restoring its original color. So how do we do this?

Neutralize the bleached area first if there is still excess bleach sitting on it. You can do this by:

1. Blot the area with a paper towel or any absorbent towel.
2. Soak the spotted area in cold water.
3. Create a paste from mixing baking soda and water.
4. Spread the paste on the area where the bleach stain is.
5. Allow it to dry.
6. Take off the dried paste and rinse the spotted area.

After doing the steps above, the next action will depend on whether the spots are small or large. 

Removing small bleach stains on dark clothes

When dealing with small bleached spots, you can use rubbing alcohol, gin or vodka. No matter the types of alcohol available, the same steps will apply:

1. Moisten a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol, gin or vodka.
2. Dampen the bleached area using the moistened cotton.
3. When done, start an outward to inward rubbing. The cloth has to be moist throughout the process to make way for the transfer of color.
4. Continue rubbing until the bleached spot, and the unbleached place of your clothes are blended together.

The rubbing alcohol, gin, or vodka will enable the color to spread and restore the color to the whole area. Instead of seeing small bleached spots, you will see more pleasing and less distracting clothes.

Removing large bleach stains on dark clothes

In the case of large bleach spots, you can use sodium thiosulfate. You can find this chemical in your local hardware stores. Some pet stores also sell it.

Follow these steps to get rid of large bleached spots:

1. In a bowl, prepare a solution using a tablespoon of sodium thiosulfate for every cup of water.
2. Mix thoroughly until the sodium thiosulfate is completely dissolved.
3. When the mixture is ready to use, get a clean cloth (of any color) or use cotton balls.
4. Dampen the cloth or cotton ball with the mixture then apply it to the bleached spot.
5. Only do blotting instead of rubbing as it can damage the fabric of your clothing.
6. If the bleached spot is already treated, rinse the cloth. But if not, repeat the same process after rinsing the clothes.

How to prevent getting bleach stains on dark clothes

Isn’t it better to avoid getting bleach stains in the first place instead of removing them? When dealing with bleach you need to be careful and pay attention to how you handle it, store it, how it is transferred, and how you use it. At any point, bleach can stain anything, including clothes, upholstery or carpet. And once any of your fabrics get bleached, it can be impossible to undo it. That is why the best thing to do is to avoid it in the first place.

To help you remind you how to avoid bleaching dark clothes, jot down these ideas:

• To prevent colors from fading, do not apply bleaching solutions to colored clothes, directly or indirectly.
• There is color-safe bleach available that you can use when washing colored clothes. When using it, always read the instructions because some bleach with color protection formula needs to be diluted. While some can be applied directly to garments, others need indirect contact with them. 
• Secure the lid whenever bleach is transported. Accidents happen, so better to be safe than sorry. You will be the one to suffer the consequences when your fabrics get bleached due to an accidental spill.
• In addition to your fabrics’ welfare, always remember that your skin can be irritated when contact with bleach is prolonged. Always use gloves when handling bleach.

Video: How to remove bleach stains from colored clothes

Common questions about bleach stains

Wrapping Up

Although damage from bleach may seem irreversible, it is possible to restore your garments back to their original appearance by following a couple color restoration methods. As with most stains, the best way to get rid of them if just to avoid them in the first place.