Bleach
Laundry bleach are additives that aid in giving your laundry detergent that extra boost, to remove stubborn stains and kill germs. If you are not using an anti-bacterial detergent, consider adding bleach to disinfect your clothes with every wash. For stubborn stains that require extra attention, bleach is also a great way to jumpstart the stain removal process during pretreatment/presoaking.
Characteristics of Different Types of Bleach
Bleach can be divided into 2 types – oxidizing and deoxidizing – according to the mechanism by which the pigments that form soil and stains are dissolved. Oxidizing bleaches can be further divided into chlorine-based bleaches and non-chlorine (colour-safe) peroxide bleaches. The characteristics and recommended applications are listed in the chart below. For best results, learn the differences and choose your bleach accordingly. Whatever type of bleach you choose, always follow the instructions and use the appropriate amount.
Product
Main Ingredients
Characteristics
Suitable For
Do Not Use On
Notes
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Kao Bleach
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Sodium Hypochlorite
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Strong bleaching power, disinfects and deodorizes
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Whites made of cotton, linen, polyester, acrlyl, rayon (viscose) and similar blends.
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Coloured or patterned fabrics, wools, silks, nylon, acetate, polyurethane or similar blends, metal trim and resin coated items.
(1) Test for colour fastness and avoid use on fabrics which might fade.
(2) Metal buttons and fasteners may rust if they come in contact with bleach; avoid metal buckles as well.
Product
Main Ingredients
Characteristics
Suitable For
Do Not Use On
Notes
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Kao Colour Bleach (Powder)
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Sodium Percarbonate
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Suitable for use on coloured and patterned fabrics.
Also known as colour-safe bleach.
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Whites, coloured and patterned fabrics made of cotton, linen, synthetic fibers and similar blends.
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Wools, silks or similar blends; fabrics treated with metallic dyes; metal trim.
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Product
Main Ingredients
Characteristics
Suitable For
Do Not Use On
Notes
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Kao Bleach
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Hydrogen Peroxide
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Suitable for use on coloured and patterned fabrics.
May also be used on wools and silks.
Can be applied directly to fabric.
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Whites, coloured and patterned fabrics; all washable fabrics.
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Fabrics treated with metallic dyes, metal trim.
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Product
Main Ingredients
Characteristics
Suitable For
Do Not Use On
Notes
-
Powder
Kao Colour Bleach (Powder)
Liquid
Kao Bleach
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Suitable for use on coloured and patterned fabrics.
Also known as colour-safe bleach.
Suitable for use on coloured and patterned fabrics.
May also be used on wools and silks.
Can be applied directly to fabric.
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Whites, coloured and patterned fabrics made of cotton, linen, synthetic fibers and similar blends.
Whites, coloured and patterned fabrics; all washable fabrics.
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Wools, silks or similar blends; fabrics treated with metallic dyes; metal trim.
Fabrics treated with metallic dyes, metal trim.
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Product
Main Ingredients
Characteristics
Suitable For
Do Not Use On
Notes
Deoxidizing
Product
Main Ingredients
Characteristics
Suitable For
Do Not Use On
Notes
Laundry Bleach Usage Tips
Always check the wash care label and use the appropriate bleach product if applicable. To test for colour fastness, apply a drop to a hidden part of the garment. Wait for 5 minutes, and rinse with water. Allow the item to dry completely. If no discoloration is observed, the garment can be laundered safely with bleach.
Laundry bleach gives your laundry detergent that extra boost, and can better keep your clothes looking fresh and new. Regular bleach helps prevent yellowing or greying of white clothes, while Colour Bleach helps keeps garment colours bright. Bleach also kills germs – which deodorizes and disinfects your clothes, especially useful if you are not using an anti-bacterial detergent.
Bleaching effectiveness is enhanced by increasing the temperature of water, but an overly high temperature may damage the fibres. Warm water (40°C) is suitable for bleaching cottons and linens, and other fabrics should be bleached in lukewarm water (30°C). The only exception is deoxidizing bleach, which works best in hot water (50°C).
Resins used as stiffeners in collars and cuffs may turn yellow when treated with chlorine bleach. Use deoxidizing bleach to bring them back. Some white shirts should not be bleached with chlorine, so always read the wash care label and follow the instructions for care. Try Kao Colour Bleach (Non-Chlorine Bleach) to prevent white shirts turning yellow if chlorine bleach should not be used.
Oxidizing bleaches may also cause a chemical reaction if used in direct sunlight. Yellowing might occur if some bleach residue remains on garments after wash, and this yellowing cannot be recovered. Always follow the instructions on the wash care labels and remember to rinse well after bleaching to avoid yellowing when clothes are dried in the sun.
If you leave soiled or wet clothes unattended, or keep your clothes in a humid place, mould will start growing on them. Mold is difficult to remove by normal washing. It’s therefore important to be careful not to leave dirty or wet clothes unattended. Mold on coloured clothing are difficult to remove but you may try bleaching the fabric with Kao Colour Bleach. For white clothing, you can recover it by bleaching it with Kao Bleach.