Clear alcohol is not an effective treatment for large bleach stains or for lighter fabrics as there is not enough dye for the clear alcohol to redistribute. Try an alternative method to treat the stain if this applies to you. [3] X Research source
Find products that are advertised as chlorine neutralizers. Those will contain the sodium thiosulfate needed to treat the bleach stain on the fabric. [7] X Research source This works well as an immediate treatment. If the stain has been sitting for a while, the diluted solution might not remove the stain entirely, but instead make it considerably less noticeable. [8] X Research source
Use cotton balls if you do not have a clean cloth.
Rinse the fabric in cold water if the stain is still visible. Then treat it again with the diluted sodium thiosulfate. Continue to treat the fabric until the stain is reduce to your liking.
For fabric and upholstery, mix 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of liquid dishwasher detergent with 2 cups (470 mL) of cool water. [14] X Research source For carpet, mix 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of liquid dishwasher detergent with 2 cups (470 mL) of warm water. [15] X Research source Warm water is typically preferred over cold water to treat or clean carpets as it is more effective in lifting dirt and liquid residues from the carpet fibers. Most professional carpet cleaners only use warm water to clean carpets. [16] X Research source
If you do not have a white cloth, use a colored cloth or cotton balls instead. Since you are lifting the bleach stain, it may stain whatever cloth you choose to use. [18] X Research source
Blot at the stain with more solution and rinse it with more clean water until the stain is less noticeable, or until you are satisfied with the results. [21] X Research source
For fabric and upholstery, mix 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of white vinegar with 2 cups (470 mL) of cold water. [24] X Research source For carpet, mix 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of white vinegar with 2 cups (470 mL) of warm water. [25] X Research source Warm water will pull up more of the bleach stain from the carpet fibers, along with any of the dirt and grime the bleach might have adhered to. This is why warm water is typically used to steam clean carpets. [26] X Research source
If you already treated the area with the diluted dishwasher detergent solution, make sure that the area is clean before applying the white vinegar.
Just be careful not to completely saturate the item with the white vinegar. Any buildup of white vinegar can start to damage or disintegrate some materials. [29] X Research source
Treat the area with more of the solution if you are not satisfied with the results. Just make sure to blot the area with a clean, damp cloth so you don’t leave behind any of the diluted vinegar.
