The two general oxidizing types are sodium hypochlorite (also called chlorine or liquid household bleach) and oxygen. Sodium hypochlorite and oxygen bleaches should not be used together. The benefits of both are lost when combined.

Color removers, considered reducing bleaches, are also products in the bleach category.

Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach
Liquid sodium hypochlorite bleach is the most widely used, although a dry form is also available. Liquid sodium hypochlorite bleach is made by combining chlorine with a solution of sodium hydroxide to produce sodium hypochlorite, sodium chloride and water. The sodium chloride is a by-product of the chemical reaction and remains in the solution as an inactive ingredient. When liquid sodium hypochlorite bleach is added to the wash, sodium hypochlorite reacts with the soil and organic matter. As a result, liquid household bleach:

1) Oxidizes soil and aids in its removal
2) Acts as a disinfectant on both bacteria and viruses likely to be encountered in the home
3) Generally whitens fabrics

The bleaching action of sodium hypochlorite is essentially completed in about 5 minutes, even less time in hot water, but slightly longer in cold.

The dry version performs like liquid sodium hypochlorite bleach when dissolved in water.

How to Use Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach:

Read and follow bleach package directions. Use a standard measuring cup and measure the recommended amount. For best results, dilute bleach with a quart (0.95 L) of water and add about 5 minutes after the wash cycle has begun. Applying undiluted bleach directly to fabrics may result in color removal and/or weakening of the fabric. Adding bleach at the beginning of the wash cycle with the detergent destroys some detergent ingredients (FWAs, enzymes). This reduces the effectiveness of both detergent and bleach. Adding bleach after 5 to 6 minutes allows the FWAs to attach to fabrics, the enzymes to work on soils and the bleach to have maximum effectiveness.

For washers with dispensers where bleach is automatically dispensed and diluted, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Sodium hypochlorite bleach can be used on all washable colorfast natural fibers (cotton, linen) except protein fibers like wool, silk and mohair. It is also safe on all washable synthetic and permanent press fabrics, except spandex.

Sodium hypochlorite bleach is safe for most (70 to 80%) colored washable fabrics. To determine if a color is bleach safe, apply one drop of a test solution made from 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of bleach in 1/4 cup (60 ml) of water to an inconspicuous part of the fabric or garment, such as a seam allowance. Be sure the solution penetrates the fabric. Let stand for 1 minute and blot dry with a paper towel. If there is no color change, the article can be safely bleached. Be sure to test decorative trim

Oxygen Bleach (all-fabric bleach)
Oxygen bleaches are available in both a dry and liquid form. All dry oxygen bleaches contain inorganic peroxygen compounds, such as sodium perborate tetrahydrate and sodium percarbonate. When dissolved, the inorganic peroxygen compounds convert to hydrogen peroxide (the oxidizing agent) and the residue of the compound (e.g., sodium borate or carbonate). Liquid oxygen bleaches contain hydrogen peroxide, which supplies the oxidizing agent directly. The hydrogen peroxide reacts with the soil and organic materials in the wash to either decolorize or break them up. Hydrogen peroxide provides a more gentle bleaching action than sodium hypochlorite used in chlorine bleaches.

Water temperature affects the bleaching rate of oxygen bleaches. Hot water accelerates the bleaching action. As water temperature decreases below 130 degrees F, exposure time must be increased substantially.

Powdered oxygen bleaches also contain a builder, usually sodium carbonate, which provides additional alkalinity and allows the perborate to function more effectively as a bleach. Other ingredients ^_ such as surfactants, brighteners, bluing agents and fragrance ^_ can be incorporated into both liquid and powdered formulations. Enzymes are used in powdered bleaches.

How to Use Oxygen Bleach:

Read and follow bleach package directions. Use a standard measuring spoon or cup and measure the recommended amount. Add oxygen bleach to the wash water before clothes are added. Do not pour oxygen bleaches directly on wet colored fabrics without testing for colorfastness first.

Oxygen bleach is safe for most colored washable fabrics. However, if the care label states "No Bleach," do not use any bleach ^_ not even an oxygen bleach. To determine if a color is bleach safe, mix 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dry oxygen bleach to 1 cup (240 ml) hot water or follow instructions on the package. Place a few drops of test solution or undiluted liquid oxygen bleach on an inconspicuous portion of fabric for the time designated on the package. If color does not bleed or there is no color change, oxygen bleach may be used.

Color Removers
Color removers, available as a packaged product, contain sodium hydrosulfite, sodium carbonate and sodium metasilicate. They have the ability to remove most colors, but some dyes, especially prints, cannot be removed. In most cases, color will be reduced or removed enough to permit redyeing to another color. Color removers also help to whiten dingy colors and to remove brown (rust) stains from clothes washed in water that contains iron and manganese. They can also help to remove transferred dye stains from whites washed with colored items. They can be used in the washer or in a stainless steel or enamel container on the range top. Read and follow package directions.