Fabric bleach: how does it work and what does it consist of?

The first chlorine-based bleach was produced at the beginning of the last century, although it was used for water purification. After a while, bleaches began to be used to combat stains on clothes. Now it is quite difficult to imagine our life without bleaches and stain removers, and if there are little fidgets in the house, it is completely impossible. But what are bleaches made from today? How do they work and are they safe? We answer questions about bleaches in this article.

What types of bleaches are there?

All bleaches can be divided into two types: chlorine and oxygen. They work thanks to an oxidative reaction that occurs upon contact with microbes and substances that stain clothes.

Optical brighteners are also available. These are fluorescent substances that reflect light blue or violet. With their help, yellowness is neutralized - this is how the effect of whiteness of the fabric is achieved. However, optical brighteners themselves are not used in home remedies.

The fact is that in high concentrations, optical brighteners often leave pink spots (these are traces of product activators) on clothes. Therefore, optical brighteners are usually added to oxygen ones for greater effect.

How does bleach work?

What happens to a ketchup stain on a T-shirt when we bleach it? We will not dive into the scientific side of the issue in detail, but we will analyze the basic principle.

A stain on clothing is essentially a reflection of light. For example, traces of ketchup are red because the light emanating from it has a wavelength of about 650 nanometers. The color of ketchup itself is determined by electrons, which are involved in chemical bonds between molecules. They are able to absorb some light waves and some not. The light that electrons are unable to absorb determines the color of the substance.

Bleach oxidizes many bonds and breaks them - then the substance can no longer absorb light, and the stain does not appear red to us. The substance may still remain on the fabric, but without visible traces.

Chlorine bleach: what does it consist of and how does it work?

Chlorine bleaches are made from sodium hypochlorite. This is a fairly strong oxidizing agent - often after washing with such bleaches, not only the stains change color, but also the fabric itself. This is because it oxidizes bonds not only in stain molecules, but also in dyes. This bleach is used exclusively for white linen.

Some fabrics do not tolerate chlorine bleaches at all - for example, wool, silk and other delicate materials. Under the influence of chlorine, the threads of even the most ordinary fabrics become thinner, so frequent use of such bleach can lead to the appearance of holes and abrasions.

Today it is believed that the use of chlorine bleaches is unsafe. They can cause burns, severe allergic reactions and even breathing problems.

Oxygen bleach: what is in it?

Oxygen bleach is considered a more environmentally friendly and safe alternative, and it can also be used for colored, delicate fabrics. It's all about the active substance. These bleaches are based on hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate.

These are weaker oxidizing agents; in water they release oxygen, which destroys chemical bonds, but does not discolor the fabric itself or disrupt its structure. That is why preference today is increasingly given to oxygen bleaches - they can even be used for washing children's clothes.

There is an opinion that oxygen bleaches do not work well at low temperatures. This is true. However, manufacturers have learned to improve products and improve their properties even in cold water.

In addition, bleach-stain removers can be used for children's clothing and delicate fabrics - no pungent odor or destruction of fibers.

The YokoSun line has two formulas:

• Liquid bleach stain remover
• Bleach express effect stain removerin powder form

Choose a formula that is convenient for you and check YokoSun bleaches and stain removers are in action. Funds are available on marketplaces, hypermarkets, and in stores near your home.