Mild bleach: Find out why it's best for your laundry
We all know that there is nothing like classic bleach to clean things thoroughly. But when it comes to the laundry, it is always a substance to be used with extreme care and only as a last resort, since it is a very aggressive compound. It is sometimes used for whites, in extremely diluted amounts, but it is still a very strong substance and is not very friendly to the environment.
The most popular alternative is the so-called gentle or delicate bleach - the "oxygenated" ones: it owes its name to the fact that, unlike the classic bleach, it does not contain chlorine, but rather hydrogen peroxide (or oxygenated water). For this reason, it is still able to clean properly, remove stains and sanitize. The only disadvantage - if we want to call it that - is that it needs much more time to be in contact with the fabrics to achieve the results that classic bleach gets.
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Hydrogen peroxide is found both in solid and powder forms, and generally, its brand name contains the wording "oxi" (combined with some other word) and comes in liquid or spray form. It is not a disinfectant, but only a substance that sanitizes, cleaning thoroughly.
To take advantage of all its properties in the wash, we need to remember these tips:
- If you want to add it to the laundry in the washing machine, you need to decide whether to use the liquid or the powder versions. In the first case, it can be poured int the laundry drum or the detergent dispenser. If, on the other hand, it is in powder form, it is advisable to pour the necessary amount into the drum when it is still empty, before loading it.
- The powder version dissolves in water at low temperatures, so you can also use it for delicate washes.
- In the case of pre-washing, always immerse the entire garment and not the dirty part. Delicate bleach does not alter colors, and can make them brighter. As such, it can make whites look even whiter.
- Soaking should last several hours: we recommend eight, but also leaving to soak all night is fine too.
Hydrogen peroxide can also be used on carpets and upholstery, including mattresses (but research the appropriate mattress types first).
In short, hydrogen peroxide is a great ally for cleaning, and it is always worth having some at home.
