House Cleaning and Stain Removal Forum

[potatochip]

Is it just me or does pouring Clorox Bleach suck? It gets everywhere when I try to pour it in my laundry machine because it dribbles down the sides and it gets all over my hands. I'm not sloppy its just the bottle sucks. Today it got ALL over my shoes because I dropped it and it was even all over the floor. You'd think that with something like bleach, they'd make something more efficient to pour. I live in an apartment complex so when I do pour it, it gets all over the machine. Any advice as to how to go about pouring bleach?

[mrscleannw]

Hello potatochip and welcome to the forum,

Your question is a valid one. I’ve looked around and can’t seem to find a solution to what must be a universal problem so my only answer for pouring bleach is either “carefully” or with a funnel. Spilled bleach is tough on clothes and your wallet.

The properties of household bleach that make it effective for stain removal also results in damage to organic fibers such as cotton and the lifespan of these materials will be shortened with regular bleaching. The sodium hydroxide (NaOH) found in household bleach also degrades the fibers. Sodium hydroxide is not volatile but any residual amounts which are not thoroughly rinsed will continue to slowly degrade the fibers. If your choice is bleach, spot treatments should be considered whenever possible.

Something you might want to consider using is a “Home Made Bleach Alternative” and “Whitening Agent” for your whites to look their brightest. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda!
These are both safe, eco-friendly, and easy on your budget!

To Use Hydrogen Peroxide:
Just put a spray top on the container, and as always keep out of reach of children. Spray this mixture on the affected area and let it sit (out of the sunlight as hydrogen peroxide turns to water in the light) until you’re satisfied the area is clean.

To Brighten Your Clothes:
Add ½ cup baking soda or ¼ cup washing soda (basically extra-strength baking soda) as a power boost for regular detergent or detergent with color safe bleach.

You can also use lemon juice to whiten your clothes instead of bleach. Just add one cup of lemon juice to the wash cycle to boost the whitening action of your laundry detergent. And it smells good too!

Hope these ideas help.
Mrs. Clean