1. Measure it

    The amount on the label

    More bleach doesn't clean better. It wears fabric and makes the smell stronger.

  2. Rinse well

    Clean water after every job

    Rinse surfaces and let them dry, and air out the room until the smell has gone.

  3. Check the label

    Look for the triangle

    On a care label, a plain triangle means bleach is fine. A crossed-out one means no bleach.

Whiten white towels

How to · With bleach

Whiten white towels

One washEvery few weeksEasy

Steps

  1. 1Check the care labels. Only wash white cotton towels that allow bleach, and wash them on their own.
  2. 2Put on gloves and open a window. Measure the amount the label gives for one load and pour it into the machine's bleach dispenser, never straight onto the towels.
  3. 3Add your usual detergent and wash on the hottest setting the care labels allow.
  4. 4Dry as usual. Never add vinegar, ammonia or any other cleaner to the same wash.

  • Never mix it

    Bleach with ammonia, vinegar or other cleaners makes toxic gas. Only ever mix it with water.

  • Measure the dilution

    Each job needs a different amount, and the label gives each one. Measure rather than guess.

  • Fresher is stronger

    Bleach slowly weakens, faster when it's warm. Buy what you'll use within a few months.