Removing a White Bleach Stain From Coloured Clothing
How to Save Bleach-Stained Colored Clothes (Yes, Really!)
We’ve all been there—whether by accident or while trying to remove a stubborn stain, a splash of bleach ends up on a coloured piece of clothing we really didn’t want to lose. It’s happened to me more than once. And before I discovered the magic trick I’m about to share, I sadly tossed those bleach-damaged clothes away.
Luckily, my mother-in-law came to the rescue with a clever and surprisingly effective method to save garments—even bright, colourful ones—that have fallen victim to bleach stains.
The Vinegar & Rubbing Alcohol Method
You probably already have the two star ingredients in your home:
- White vinegar
- Rubbing alcohol
Here’s how to use them to tackle bleach spots:
- Mix equal parts vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a small container.
- Using a clean towel, gently dab the mixture onto the bleach stain.
- Rinse with cold water.
- Repeat as needed until the stain begins to fade or disappear.
This method doesn’t restore the original dye, but it helps neutralize the bleach and fade the harsh edges of the stain, making it less noticeable.
Try a Color Remover (Yes, Even for Colored Clothes!)
Surprisingly, some colour removers made for whites can work on bleach-stained coloured garments too.
What to do:
- Follow the package instructions for mixing the remover in water.
- Soak the garment for around 90 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
- Repeat up to three times, if needed.
⚠️ Note: Color removers work best when the bleach stain is fresh and haven’t set too deeply.
Let the Sun Work Its Magic
This tip shocked me the first time I tried it—but sunlight actually helps fade bleach stains even further!
After treating the stain:
- Hang the garment in direct sunlight for several hours (ideally on a dry, bright day).
- This works best after the vinegar/alcohol treatment or color remover soak.
You may be amazed how much the stain softens or vanishes completely after a good sunbath.
Want It to Look Like New? Try a Color Booster
If you want to restore that garment to its former glory, use a commercial fabric dye or colour enhancer to even out the fabric tone. These can breathe new life into damaged clothes and make them look almost brand new.
Bleach accidents don’t have to mean saying goodbye to your favorite clothes. With a little vinegar, rubbing alcohol, patience, and maybe a touch of sunshine, you can give your garment a second chance. And hey—your future self will thank you for not tossing it in frustration like I used to!
Need help finding a good fabric dye or colour booster? I can recommend some based on the colour or fabric type—just let me know!
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