Bleach is a must have for most families. We have two kids and a dog and white slip covered couches. To say that whitening is constantly needed would be a gross understatement. Not to mention all of the dirty socks and towels. Bleaching had been the only way that I knew to get our whites clean for a very long time, but it can be really harsh on fabrics. After so many washes, the bleach can break down and eat away at fabric. I decided it was high time to find a bleach alternative, and am so glad that I did. I've been using this 3 Ingredient Homemade Bleach Alternative for months and it's AMAZING!
This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase using one of these links, I will receive a small commission.
This homemade bleach alternative can be used in your washing machine or in a sink, tub or wash bin. Let me show you just how easy it is to make it!
What you will need:
2 Gallons of Warm/Hot Water
½ cup of Washing Soda (you can PURCHASE HERE or see how easy it is to make your own Washing Soda HERE)
1 Cup of Hydrogen Peroxide
Start by pouring 2 gallons of warm/hot water into a wash bin or sink.
Next, add ½ cup of Washing Soda.
Finally, add 1 cup of Hydrogen Peroxide.
Mix well using a whisk or spoon.
Add any whites that need stain removal or whitening and let them soak for 1-3 hours. Once they are finished soaking, either rinse or wash in your washing machine as you normally would.
This whitening bleach alternative works great on all whites such as towels, bed sheets, tennis shoes, slipcovers, blankets, baseball and football pants, socks and more! You are going to love it! Find my recipe for The Best Stain Remover HERE. Have white hats that need a little love? Check out my post on How To Clean Ball Caps HERE!
Looking for more simple cleaning hacks and home tips? I've got you covered with hundreds of ideas HERE on my Home Tips Page!
Liz W says
Great idea but if you add dishwasher detergent to the mix it really whitens it. Liz
Mary says
After soaking do the items need to go in the laundry by themselves or can they go with a regular load. Don't want to combine if will bleed other clothes colors.
Jessica says
I would probably wash with lights only...it shouldn't bleed, but just in case, I would stick with whites and lights together.
Raya says
A word of warning, keep your eyes on that Hydrogen Peroxide. It has a way of eating right thru fabric and it will tear much quicker each time you use it, so use it only if you really have to.
Mary Jo says
Can you use the alternative bleach in the washer like regular bleach? I wash a load of whites only. Thanks
Jessica says
Yes, ma'am, you sure can!
Euni Moore says
I add bottled lemon juice to the mix, putting it all in the washer during the fill cycle. About 1/4 cup lemon juice to the above proportions.
Diane says
What is washing soda
Jessica says
Washing soda, which is also known as laundry soda, soda crystals, or sal soda, is a common ingredient in many homemade cleaning products recipes, and also is commonly used as a laundry booster.
Delores Inman says
Can I make this solution up and store in a bottle and use a little at a time like I do regular bleach?
Jessica says
I don't see why not! Should work great!
Mr. Disney says
Hydrogen peroxide will lose it's effect if exposed to light, that is why it comes in a solid brown bottle, so just make sure that you store it in a dark nontransparent container and you should be fine. =)
Akiko nguyen says
Can i do this to whites with print details?
Kelly Cofield says
I don't see how a whole load of white towels can be bleached with such a small amount in a washer.