Although bleaching is one of the strongest chemical compounds available for cleaning clothes, it has some drawbacks that make it an unpopular choice. If used incorrectly, bleach can damage your clothes, while its harsh chemicals and odours cause skin irritation and respiratory problems. There are many other bleaching methods that can keep your clothes clean and white. Other options are also safe to use and won't damage your clothes. Here are some bleach alternatives that can keep your clothes clean and bright.

Some Popular Bleach Alternatives

WHITE VINEGAR 

White vinegar is an effective cleanser. Adding ½ cup of white vinegar to the laundry will kill germs and bacteria that can cause bad odours. It also works as a deodorizer, eliminating unpleasant odours caused by viruses or bacteria. As a result, your clothes will be fragrant and shiny.

LEMON

The citric acid in lemons can clean fabrics and work well to clean cotton, linen and polyester. Mix half a cup of lemon juice in a gallon of hot water. Add white linen and lemon juice and soak for at least an hour. You can soak it for a long time, even overnight. Then wash it as usual. 

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE 

Add about a cup of hydrogen peroxide to your laundry to keep your whites fresh and clean. Hydrogen peroxide has bleaching properties, so it can damage your coloured clothes if you come in contact with them directly. Therefore, pour hydrogen peroxide into the water to make it change before you add the coloured clothes. 

BAKING SODA

Mix a cup of baking soda in a gallon of boiling water, then remove it from the heat and dip a clean white cloth. Allow them to sit for at least an hour or overnight. Baking soda will help to dry the soil and cotton clothes, leaving them soft. Wash it with normal tap water.

BORAX 

Add ½ cup of borax to the washing machine when the water is filled in the washer. You will need to use hot water to warm the borax crystals to dissolve them completely, making them effective. Borax has been used for decades as a powerful cleanser for removing tough stains.

PINE OIL

Pine oil is an effective disinfectant for your laundry items. Adding a cup of pine oil to the washer will clean your clothes well and remove odours and germs. Make sure the washer is at least half full to distribute the oil and water well.

SUNLIGHT

Sunlight is a natural disinfectant. After washing, hang your clothes outside to dry. The sun will brighten your whites and reduce any stains you may have lost. It also kills germs.

ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils are amazing as laundry detergents. They make your clothes smell fresh and also kill bacteria. Two teaspoons of 100% tea tree oil will remove odours and kill germs. For example, Lavender oil is a great disinfectant and keeps your clothes smelling fresh. 

HEAT

Heat is also a natural disinfectant, toxic and works to eliminate odours. You can use hot water in your washing machine. Exposure to heat in the dryer will help kill germs.

Bleach can damage coloured fabrics and can damage white fabrics if used excessively. Some people don't like the smell. Therefore, you can choose from the other options given above to make your clothes smell and look good without bleaching. If you're looking for more advice, stop by our laundry store in Southall or give us a call to find out how we can help make your clothes look like new.