The Effects of Chlorine Bleach on Colors
Two basic types of bleaches are available: chlorine bleach and non-chlorine bleach, with chlorine bleach further divided into two categories: those containing sodium hypochlorite and those containing calcium hypochlorite. These chlorine bleaches have an oxidizing effect on the fabric they touch, which means that they can cause the colors or stains on them to fade away or lighten. Certain fabrics hold up well upon contact with chlorine bleach. You can treat towels such as bath and dish versions, color-safe clothes, white garments and fabrics with chlorine bleach. To be safe, read the label before using bleach.
Whitening
The main purposes of chlorine bleach are to return the white color to clothes and to lighten colored clothes. Colored clothes are made of threads that have specific types of molecules. The bonds that make up these molecules reflect light to display a certain color. When mixed with chlorine bleach, these cromophores or bonds are broken down, and the color therefore lightens, which is how chlorine cleans white clothes.
Stains
Chlorine bleaches are available in liquid and powder forms. The liquid form is the cheaper variety. Each fabric reacts in a different way to chlorine bleach, so check the label of the garment before using it. While chlorine bleaches can remove stains in some cases, in others it can cause them. For example, when chlorine bleach reacts with iron deposits which may be present in the water, it causes a rust-like color on the cloth. Some tough stains, such as the yellow of turmeric, may only increase if treated with chlorine bleach. In addition, the strength of the bleach used to tackle the stain can lighten the colors surrounding it.
Discharging Dye
You can use chlorine bleach to remove the color from a dyed piece of cloth; however, this is only to some extent. Those classified as reactive dyes only change color within a pre-determined range. Some other dyes do not discharge at all. There is no fixed formula to remove the color from cloth. For this, you must reach the desired mix of bleach and water through trial and error and the use of smaller pieces of cloth. One part bleach to five parts water and a constant increase in both measures helps.
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Writer Bio
Norah Faith was born and raised in Texas and from there she has traveled nationally and internationally. After acquiring her teaching license from New Mexico State University, she found herself teaching ESL around the world. She continues to teach today and finds satisfaction writing for Demand Studios and other sites.
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