Bleach is the heavy artillery of laundry. Pick the right kind and it's a hero. Pick wrong and your favorite shirt gets polka dots.
Quick answer: chlorine bleach is strong and best for white cotton. Oxygen bleach is gentler and safe for most colors. Never mix bleach with other cleaners.†
How each works
| Chlorine bleach | Oxygen bleach | |
|---|---|---|
| Active part | Sodium hypochlorite† | Releases oxygen, often from sodium percarbonate† |
| Best for | White cotton and linen | Colors and most fabrics |
| Avoid on | Wool, silk, spandex, colors | Wool and silk, check the tag |
Check the tag
A triangle on your care label tells you what's allowed (read it). An X means no bleach at all.
Safety first
- Never mix chlorine bleach with ammonia, vinegar or other cleaners. It can release dangerous gases.†
- Use it in a ventilated space.
- Store it away from kids and pets.
Do you need bleach?
Often not. Enzymes in Just 9 help break down protein and starch stains (read it). Sunlight helps too.
FAQ
Is oxygen bleach color-safe? For most colors, yes. Test a hidden spot first.
Can I use bleach with laundry sheets? Follow both labels and never mix bleach with other cleaners.
Which bleach is better for whites? Chlorine is stronger, oxygen is gentler.
Is oxygen bleach the same as OxiClean? That's one brand of oxygen bleach.
Seven ingredients. Zero compromise.
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Keep reading
What's in Laundry Detergent Sheets? A Plain-English Ingredient Guide
Pillar page: every common ingredient by job, and which ones we skip
Decyl Glucoside in Laundry Detergent: What It Is and Why We Use It
The sugar-based cleaner explained
Lauryl Glucoside vs Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: Same Name, Different Cleaner
Clears up the name confusion