1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Housekeeping

Bleach

By , About.com Guide

Definition: Bleach is a laundry aid that helps remover dirt and stains from clothing. Bleach creates a chemical reaction with soil that breaks it down and removes it from clothing. Bleach also has a whitening and brightening effect on clothing. There are two different types of bleach.

Chlorine bleach usually comes in a liquid form, but can occasionally be found in a powder form. Chlorine bleach contains sodium hypochloride diluted with water. This type of bleach is very powerful and can also disinfect laundry, but isn't safe for some fabric types.

Oxygen bleach is safe for use on most fabrics and is sometimes known as color-safe bleach or all-fabric bleach. Even this type of bleach may not be safe for all fabrics.

Tips for Using Bleach

Explore Housekeeping

About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Make Your Own Scented Pine Cones

Bring a little of the fall season in your home with this easy-to-make craft. More >

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Housekeeping
  4. How to Do Laundry
  5. Laundry Glossary
  6. Bleach Definition What Is Bleach?

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.