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Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is known for its durability and resistance to wrinkles. However, if you want to change the color of your polyester garment or remove stains, bleaching can be a useful option. Here are the steps to bleach polyester:
1. Check the care label: Before bleaching, always check the care label of your polyester garment. Some polyester fabrics may not be suitable for bleaching.
2. Dilute the bleach: Mix one part bleach with three parts water in a bucket or sink.
3. Soak the garment: Submerge the polyester garment in the bleach solution and make sure it is fully saturated.
4. Time it: Leave the garment to soak for about 10-30 minutes. Avoid leaving it for too long as bleach can weaken the fabric.
5. Rinse thoroughly: After the desired time, remove the garment from the bleach solution and rinse it thoroughly with cold water.
6. Wash as usual: Finally, wash the garment as you normally would, using mild detergent. This will help remove any remaining bleach and ensure that the fabric is clean.
7. Air dry: Allow the garment to air dry, as the heat from a dryer can damage polyester fibers.
Remember, bleaching polyester should be done with caution, as it can weaken the fabric if not done properly. Always test a small, inconspicuous area of the garment before bleaching the entire piece.
It is generally not advisable to use bleach on polyester fabrics as it can damage the fibers and cause discoloration. However, Clorox recommends a method for whitening white polyester using chlorine bleach, although oxygen bleach is a safer alternative. Always check the care label first to ensure that bleach is safe to use. If the label says “No Bleach,” avoid using it as the garment may turn yellow instead of white.
Bleaching with Chlorine Bleach
Step 1
Soak heavily soiled polyester garments in a mixture of 1/4 cup bleach per gallon of water. Completely immerse each item and leave it for five minutes.
Step 2
To treat localized stains, use a bleach gel pen. Never apply full-strength bleach directly to the garment.
Step 3
Wash the garment in the hottest water recommended on the care label, adding 3/4 cup of regular bleach to the detergent.
Oxygen Bleach – A Safer Alternative
Oxygen bleach is a combination of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and hydrogen peroxide (sodium percarbonate). It is safer for fabrics than chlorine bleach and will not cause yellowing. While it may not remove all stains from polyester, it is still a good alternative.
Step 1
Mix the powdered oxygen bleach with water according to the package instructions. In most cases, use 1/2 cup of powder per gallon of water, or 1 cup of powder per gallon for heavily stained fabric.
Step 2
Soak the stained fabric for one hour, or overnight if necessary.
Step 3
Wash the fabric in the washing machine with a high-quality laundry detergent, using the hottest water recommended on the care label. Add a cup of oxygen bleach to the wash water for maximum whitening.