What Will Happen If You Mix Bleach and Laundry Detergent?

When doing laundry, most of us know the basics: wash whites in warm water and colors in cool water, use detergent and fabric softener as directed, and so on. But what will happen if you mix bleach and laundry detergent? 

The result can be good or bad for your clothes. Read on to learn more about mixing bleach and detergent. 

Can You Mix Bleach and Detergent?

Do you put bleach and detergent together? Yes. The laundry detergent ingredients are compatible with bleach, so you can safely use bleach and detergent together in the washing machine. 

When you mix the two products, there is no noticeable reaction or physical change. However, you will get a more powerful cleaning solution. You will notice the difference in the cleanliness of your fabrics.

While you can use detergent alone to clean your laundry, using bleach will deliver better results if you want a deeper clean. Bleach works more intensively to eliminate stains and other unwanted marks. If you want to clean white fabric, then it would be best to use laundry detergent and bleach together. 

What Are the Advantages of Mixing Laundry Detergent and Bleach?

Now that you know what happens if you mix bleach and laundry detergent, you might want to understand the upsides of this combination. As we have already seen, the major benefit of mixing some bleach with your laundry detergent is that you get a more powerful cleaning solution. 

This solution will leave you with cleaner, stronger fabrics and clothes. Below are other benefits of mixing laundry detergent and bleach.

Ability to Do Fewer Loads

Bleach and laundry detergent are powerful in their individual capacities, and using them together allows you to do single washes. You can comfortably do three instead of five loads, saving you time and energy costs. 

Kill Stubborn Microorganisms

Some bacteria, germs, viruses, and other microorganisms in your home are resistant to the effects of regular laundry detergent. They include Listeria, Salmonella, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Norovirus, and Escherichia coli.

The potent mixture of detergent and bleach can effectively kill these microorganisms, which are common in bathrooms and kitchen countertops. 

Cost-Effective Disinfectant

You can mix your detergent solution with chlorine bleach to create an affordable and effective disinfectant solution. This solution can kill harmful microorganisms in high-traffic areas like washrooms. 

Related: How To Remove Toothpaste Stains Quickly And Easily

Exceptionally Clean Fabrics

Another notable benefit of mixing bleach and detergent is exceptionally clean clothes. Removing stains, food, and grime deeply ingrained in your clothes can be challenging. Adding some bleach to your laundry can eliminate the stains. 

Another common question is: do you add detergent with bleach if you have sensitive skin? 

One disadvantage of mixing bleach and laundry detergent is that it is unsafe for individuals with sensitive skin. Bleach is highly corrosive, and adding laundry detergent will worsen its effects. Chlorine can have adverse dermatological effects, especially for people with sensitive skin. 

Can You Use Detergent With Bleach on All Clothes?

You could be wondering what clothes you can clean with a bleach-detergent mixture. This combination can deliver excellent results on most fabrics. You can safely clean your white, light-colored, and colorfast fabrics with bleach and detergent. 

With this mixture, you won’t have to worry about ruining your white socks, bed linens, tablecloths, bath towels, and T-shirts. However, it is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions to minimize the risk of ruining your clothes and fabrics. 

Some fabrics have written instructions, allowing or discouraging you from using chlorine bleach on them. You can also reduce the risk of damage by testing your fabrics before washing them with a detergent-bleach solution. 

You can test your fabric by following the simple steps below:

• Find a measuring spoon and a measuring cup.
• Measure a quarter cup of water and two teaspoons of bleach. You can simply add the bleach to the measuring cup of water.
• Use the water-bleach solution on a small part of the fabric you want to clean. Leave it for a few minutes. Afterward, exert pressure on the small patch using a wet rag. 
• If there is no visible damage to the area, you can safely use the bleach with laundry detergent.

How To Use Detergent and Bleach With Various Washers

Now that you know what happens if you mix bleach and laundry detergent, it’s essential to understand how best to do it. Depending on your washing machine, following these instructions will help you get the best results when using bleach and detergent.

Top-Loading Washers

Start with sorting your fabrics according to the material and colors. Set the washing machine temperature as desired. It’s worth noting that the hotter the water, the more effective the bleach. 

Once the washer fills up with water, add a cup of liquid bleach. Ensure you use the correct bleach quantity as per the manufacturer’s recommendation. Add the proper amount of detergent when the washer is nearly full. 

Finally, put your clothes in the machine and start the wash cycle. 

Front-Loading Washers

Things will be easier if you have a front-loading washer because these washers have built-in detergent and bleach dispensers. Start by filling your bleach dispenser with 3% sodium hypochlorite solution. 

Next, add the correct amount of detergent to the detergent dispenser. Your washing machine’s dispensers may have a line indicating the maximum amount of bleach or detergent. Nonetheless, it is critical to stick to the manufacturer’s recommended amounts. 

Lastly, put your clothes in the machine and set it to the right temperature and wash cycle. Allow the washer to complete an entire cycle because it will dispense the detergent and bleach automatically at set intervals. Avoid adding more than a half cup or 120ml of bleach to a front-loading washing machine. 

Can You Mix Bleach and Fabric Softener?

Mixing bleach and fabric softer is not a good idea because it will leave you with poorly cleaned clothes. Additionally, the mixture can potentially damage your washing machine. 

While bleach and detergent ingredients are compatible, this is not the case with fabric softeners. Fabric softeners contain ingredients that won’t clean your clothes effectively. Therefore, avoid mixing fabric softener and bleach for the safety of your washer and clothes.

Contact Judi’s Cleaners Today

Now that you understand what happens if you mix bleach and laundry detergent, it is always advisable to work with professionals for the best cleaning results. If you are looking for a reliable cleaner in Sacramento, look no further than Judi’s Cleaners. 

You May Find This Helpful: How to Get Detergent Stains Out of Clothes

We have the expertise and resources to handle the toughest stains on the most delicate fabrics. Our service includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee—you will pay only if you love the service. 

If you have any questions about bleach and laundry detergent, contact the experts at Judi’s Cleaners at (916) 580-6478 for a free consultation.