There are different types of bleach that can be used on clothes, and the type of bleach to use depends on the fabric and the desired outcome. Here are some types of bleach and how to use them:

1. Sodium hypochlorite bleach: This type of bleach is also called chlorine or liquid household bleach. It is a powerful laundry bleach that disinfects, cleans, and whitens. It works on many whites and colorfast washables, but not on wools or silks. For best results, add it 5 minutes after the wash cycle has begun to agitate in order to avoid destroying enzymes and fluorescent whiteners in the detergent. Read the label and dilute as directed.

2. Oxygen bleach: This type of bleach is also called all-fabric or colorfast bleach. It is safe for most fabrics and colors and is gentler than sodium hypochlorite bleach. It works best in maintaining whiteness, not in restoring it. Add it directly to the wash water before the clothes are added. Do not pour powdered bleach directly on wet clothes. Oxygen bleaches are most effective in warm-to-hot water.

3. Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach: This bleach keeps white clothes their whitest and kills 99.9% of germs in your laundry. It works better than detergent alone on hard-to-remove stains including berries, juice, mud/dirt, ketchup, grass, coffee, red wine, and tea. Before using it, always check care labels to confirm fiber content before washing; avoid bleaching wool, silk, mohair, leather, spandex, and non-fast colors. Also, test for colorfastness to ensure the fabric doesn’t become discolored.

When using bleach on clothes, it is important to follow the instructions on the label and to check the care label of the garment to ensure that it can be bleached. It is also important to avoid mixing bleach with other cleaning products, as this can create dangerous fumes.