The Truth About Bleach

Pouring bleach on whites to remove stains is not always the best answer.  Chlorine bleach is sometimes used in commercial laundries ranging from 50-150 PPM to sanitize the fabric and decolorize stains. Chlorine bleach has several disadvantages if not used correctly. It can have the opposite effect on dyed or printed colors which appear as simple stains to the bleach. Chlorine can also be retained in fabric; retained chlorine can damage and/or yellow fabric during drying, ironing, and storage. Chlorine is also corrosive and toxic if not handled properly. Modern systems can use reduced chlorine and non-chlorine bleach to promote whiteness and disinfection/ sanitation. There are also some enzyme-type products available to aid sanitation.

If chlorine bleach is used, antichlor is recommended after treatment to prevent damage to the fabric. As the name suggests, antichlor is a reagent that inactivates and neutralizes chlorine absorbed and retained in fabrics. Retained chlorine can cause fiber damage and yellowing of the wash load when drying, ironing, and storing. Some antichlor products also act as “reducing bleach” and help remove certain medical stains.

Due to the range of issues that chlorine use within the laundry system can cause, the use of non-chlorine bleach systems has become widespread and are considered by most to be the preferred option when bleach is required.