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Reviving Black Clothes: Removing and Repairing Bleach Stains

Bleach stain removal on black clothes, We’ve all encountered stains on our clothes. Most often, we use bleach to remove them. Bleach removes the stains from clothes by forming a chemical reaction with the stains resulting in their breaking down and removal. 

However, bleach on colored clothes is tricky because, if wrongly administered, it removes the color from the clothing. It would be you’ve accidentally splashed bleach on your black dress. Is bleach stain on a black cloth fixable? Yes, there are several ways you can reverse your dress to its original color.

If you’re looking for ways to remove or cover a bleach stain and even learn how bleach works, you’re on the right page. Ensure you stick to the end as we share more tips about the topic.

Bleach On Black Clothes: 4 Hacks on How to Remove the Bleach

Bleach stain removal on black clothes

When bleach comes into contact with black garments, it leaves them with a milky white or pinkish stain. However, you cannot remove bleach stains on black clothes as they are permanent discoloration on the darker fabrics.  

Nevertheless, you can use a few methods to reinstate the original color. However, the success rate relies on the bleaching type and the stain’s wealth. Without further ado, let’s get to the solutions.

Baking Soda

This option won’t get rid of the bleach stains. Instead, bleach stain removal on black clothes will prevent them from worsening. It deactivates the bleaching effect giving you time to recolor the bleached area. Here are steps on how to use baking powder:

  • Thoroughly rinse the spotted clothing in cold water
  • For small stains, use ¼ cup of baking powder and two tablespoons of water and make a paste
  • Use a cotton wool ball to smear the paste on the bleached spot
  • Allow the clothing to sit for a few hours or until the paste dries and turns powdery
  • Rinse off the paste

.You may not have removed the stain, but you have successfully neutralized the bleaching effect and stopped it from spreading.

Drinking Vodka

Bleach stain removal on black clothes helps leach the color back into the whitened area in your garments. This solution is suitable on materials such as cotton colored with a water-soluble coloring, although it may be effective on synthetic, polyester fabrics too.

  • First, use a neutralizer to deactivate the bleaching effect from spreading.
  • Using a clean rag/ cotton swab, rub the alcohol over the stained area in a circular motion to cross from the affected spot to the dyed part resulting in pulling back the dye into the stained area
  • Once the white zone is completely covered, use cold water to rinse it off.
  • Finally, wash the cloth, as usual, to get rid of any odd odors.

Take note that vodka serves as a solvent to assist the removal of wine stains and grass stains as well!

Rubbing Alcohol

Alcohol is the most inexpensive and effective method to draw color from the not affected part to the whitened area.   Try this hack out if you splashed a tiny bit of bleach on your black dress. It is the quickest and most affordable.

Therefore, it is crucial to note that any form of alcohol can ruin fabric, especially synthetic polyester. As a result, you should use it as a stain remover on minor areas and, if necessary.

  • First, neutralize the fabric using baking soda, as shown above.
  • Soak a cotton ball, clean white rag, or Q-tip in rubbing alcohol
  • Wipe it over and around the white spot, drawing color into the faded area
  • After filling in the spot, rinse the affected spot; you can wash the clothing with a washing machine

Fabric Dye

This option works best for large stains and if the fabric is in good condition. Dye the cloth back to its former color by following these steps:

Choose the right fabric dye color, which is water-soluble for easy dispersing dyes, especially on artificial fabrics or natural materials. It is good to go through the instructions on the label before you use it to avoid any mistakes.

  • Neutralize the bleached area using the baking soda hack
  • Protect your working area with a newspaper if you accidentally spill the dye while drying your garment.
  • Mix 1 teaspoon of dye powder, add a teaspoon of salt, and a double tablespoon of water in a throwaway plastic cup.
  • Apply the mixture carefully to the faded point with a toothbrush or a tiny paintbrush.
  • Allow it to dry before washing out any residual dye
  • Finally, wash the fabric as normal
  • If the clothing has splattered patches of stain, you can alternatively re-dye the entire garment in a large bowl. The process is a time saver than treating each spot  on its own

Tips on How to Avert From Bleach Stains 

The best solution ever is to prevent any accidents. However, it might be a nightmare because bleach is eminent in several products, such as:

  • Whitening toothpaste
  • Hair bleach
  • Some face wash products, especially those that contain benzoyl peroxide
  • Cleaning products that you regularly use around the house can also contain stains.

Therefore, it is best to practice the right way to use bleach. For instance,

Don’t use bleach for black garments and colored clothes

Don’t use bleach directly on the clothes

It is advisable to mix it first with water to dilute

Ensure you read the label before using it

When working with bleach, always wear old clothes to minimize stains 

Bleach on Black Clothes

Bleach stain removal on black clothes

Adults should use bleach on black clothes; even so, they must be cautious. While using bleach, do it outdoors if you can, and ensure you have enough ventilation if it is indoors.

To use bleach, you should understand the fabric to avoid damaging your clothes. Silk, leather, wool, and Spandex are not suitable for bleaching. Ensure you dilute the bleach first before using it on your black clothes

Make the neutralizing solution ready using a single part of hydrogen peroxide and ten parts of water. Once the clothes reach your desired color in the bleach solution, transfer them into the hydrogen peroxide to prevent further product fading.

The longer the fabric sits in the bleach solution, the lighter they become and the weaker the fabric. Therefore after a couple of minutes, remove and wash them under running water. You may repeat this procedure until you attain the desired results. Use 3/4cup bleach per gallon of water is safe to use, and always soak your clothes in a neutralizing solution before finally washing them and air drying them.