TOP 7 best fabric brighteners: which one to choose, pros and cons, reviews

As a rule, bleaches are divided into three main types, depending on the working substance:

• Oxygen.
  The main active ingredient is sodium percarbonate. Upon contact with water, this substance breaks down into baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, from which active oxygen is released. The advantage of this type is the possibility of using it for delicate and colored materials, since it begins to work in water at a temperature of 30˚C.
• Optical.
  They are created with a fluorescent substance that creates the illusion of whiter fabric. Due to the organic dye in the composition, the fibers more brightly reflect the rays of the violet-blue part of the spectrum. As a result, the item looks whiter, the yellowness is masked, but in fact it is not cleaned. Often this substance is added as an additional component to washing powders and oxygen brighteners.
• Chlorine-containing.
  This type is most familiar to many housewives. It is characterized by low price and efficiency. As an active component it contains sodium hypochlorite, from which chlorine gas is released. The main disadvantage is the risk of damage to fabric fibers, since chlorine can destroy their outer layer.

Based on your needs, you should also pay attention to the following characteristics of bleaches:

• Washing type.
  Some products are only suitable for hand or machine washing, while others are universal.
• Release form.
  There are powdered bleaches and there are liquid ones. The choice depends on your preferences.
• Compound.
  Now there are many products on the market made from environmentally friendly and safe ingredients. This is especially true for families with children or for people with allergies.

Introducing the 2022 rating of fabric whiteners. The best 14 products that were selected by our experts based on user reviews and ratings.

Which bleach is better to buy?

When choosing a whitening product, you should pay attention to its composition.

Formulas with chlorine or phosphates are aggressive and are suitable for removing stubborn stains, unpleasant odors and disinfecting things. However, they are not suitable for wool, silk and other delicate fabrics, as they destroy their fibers. Also, not everyone likes the strong smell of such products.

Oxygen bleaches can be used for all types of textiles. They are suitable for removing stains on white and colored items. Such compositions have a limited shelf life, then they lose some of their properties.

Active oxygen does a good job of removing organic contaminants.

Optical brighteners settle on the surface of the fabric and reflect light, thereby creating the illusion of lightening the clothing. They are not recommended for children's clothing or for people with sensitive skin, as they often cause irritation or allergies.

Organic formulations without harmful chemicals are safe for the environment and are suitable for cleaning the clothes of children and people prone to allergies. But they don't always cope with difficult stains.

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What to look for when choosing

Bleaching agents are divided into 3 groups based on the active ingredient. Study their characteristics and operating principle:

• Chlorine. The basis of such products is sodium hypochlorite. It has powerful antimicrobial and oxidizing properties. Therefore, it returns the natural whiteness of fabrics well. They operate at temperatures of 40-60 °C. However, it is worth considering that with frequent use, fabric fibers lose strength. Bleach is not suitable for delicate fabrics.
• Oxygen. Copes with all types of stains and dirt on clothes. Suitable for use with delicate fabrics. The products do not affect the structure of fabric fibers. They are hypoallergenic. Used at temperatures 60-90 °C.
• Optical. Such products do not have a negative effect on the fabric and do not remove dirt. The smallest particles of the product settle on the fibers, then they reflect ultraviolet radiation, which creates only a visual effect of whiteness. Such products are often included in washing powders.

Please pay attention to the product packaging. Liquid products are sold in bottles, while powder products have three packaging options:

• Plastic bag. It is lightweight and practical. Often in such packages you can take the product for testing (about 80 grams). In addition, the packaging is inexpensive, which means it does not affect the price of the product itself. The disadvantages include fragility - there is a possibility that the bag will tear and spray chemical particles around, which can provoke an allergic reaction.
• Cardboard box. It is more convenient to pour the product out of the packaging and convenient to store it. However, there is a danger that the cardboard will get wet, and with it the product.
• Plastic jars. The most convenient container: durable and airtight, convenient to pour and store the product. However, bleach in cans tends to be more expensive.

Don't forget to look at the expiration date of the product. An expired product will be dangerous to your health.

The best bleaches to strengthen laundry detergent

Powder strengthening bleaches are added during the main wash cycle, removing stubborn stains on white items and keeping them looking longer.

TianDe "Oxy hit"

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

95%

buyers recommend this product

“Oxy Hit” is a dry universal bleach based on active oxygen. It copes with gray plaque and yellowness on clothes. The composition removes stubborn dirt of any origin: stains from grass, food or drinks. It also removes blood, iodine, brilliant green, greasy stains, resin or tar. The powder is produced in convenient plastic packages of 600 g with a sealed lid. A measuring spoon is included.

The powder is suitable for machine and hand washing and enhances the effect of the main detergent. "Oxy Hit" does not disrupt the fiber structure and cleans any fabric, including silk and wool. Bleach is also used to clean upholstery, carpets and hard kitchen surfaces. The composition without chlorine and phosphates is suitable for washing children's clothes.

Pros:

• returns whiteness to things;
• removes old stains;
• Suitable for cleaning clothes, furniture and kitchen;
• safe composition;
• you can bleach baby clothes;
• convenient container with measuring spoon.

Minuses:

• difficult to find on sale;
• high consumption.

Part of the proceeds from the sale of bleach goes to the manufacturer’s campaign to plant coniferous trees.

Clean Home "Express effect"

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

87%

buyers recommend this product

Powder bleach with an environmentally friendly formula is suitable for all types of fabrics and does not disturb the fiber structure of fine and woolen clothing. Active oxygen in bleach removes stubborn stains of various origins; optical brightener brightens fabric well. The product is poured into the machine into the powder compartment for maximum washing results. The composition does not leave a smell on clothes.

For maximum effect, dirty clothes should be soaked in hot water for a day and then washed in the machine. In this case, bleach will give things their former appearance without dirt and grayness.

The granules are sold in plastic buckets. The sealed lid protects the powder from moisture, and the included measuring spoon ensures optimal consumption. If you follow the manufacturer's recommendations, 1 kg is enough to wash 125 kg of clothes.

Pros:

• does not harm the environment;
• removes different types of stains;
• low consumption;
• complete measuring spoon;
• sealed packaging.

Minuses:

• effective only with high-temperature washing;
• The smell is too pronounced for an eco-product.

Buyers write in reviews that the composition of the more expensive NL bleach is completely identical to Clean Home. Both products are produced at the same factory - the only difference is the price.

Folk remedies

We can whiten white things using some folk remedies:

• Boiling. Our great-grandmothers used the method, and it managed to prove its effectiveness. Things were put into a large metal pan and boiled until the color returned. If the stains were too severe, laundry soap was added.
• Baking soda. Excellent for cleaning fresh stains. Just add the product to the powder compartment and wait for the wash to finish.
• Ammonia. The laundry is soaked in a solution consisting of water (5 l) and ammonia (no more than 1 tbsp). Wait a few hours and rinse the laundry. Wipe off heavy dirt with brushes.

The best bleaches and stain removers

Bleaching stain removers not only lighten laundry, but also remove old stains of various origins.

Mister Dez

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

93%

buyers recommend this product

This inexpensive dry product effectively whitens and removes stains of any origin using active oxygen and optical brightener. The formula is suitable not only for white, but also for colored items. It does not destroy the structure of the fabric and maintains the brightness of the colors. The powder copes with unpleasant odors, but does not leave its own aroma on dry clothes.

Bleach does not require boiling and is recommended for all types of textiles from cotton to wool and delicate fabrics. The composition is safe for washing machines and does not cause drum corrosion. Doesn't generate dust when poured. The zip lock on the bag prevents the powder from getting damp and allows it to be stored for a long time. A pack weighing 0.8 kg is designed for 65 kg of laundry.

Pros:

• economical;
• removes odors and stains;
• suitable for white and colored clothes;
• does not damage the fibers of delicate fabrics;
• low price (from 70 rubles per 800 g).

Minuses:

• difficult to find on sale;
• bad packaging.

The product comes in thin bags that often break. When purchasing, you need to pay attention to the integrity of the packaging.

Vanish Gold Oxi Action “Crystal White”

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

The popular dry bleach-stain remover removes stains in 30 seconds, removes yellowness and gray stains from things. The product is used in different ways: locally to remove stains, pre-soak clothes in a solution with water, and also add to the powder during washing.

To clean difficult stains, buyers are advised to combine all these methods. It is better to use bleach at temperatures above 60 degrees. The effectiveness of the product is achieved through a combination of enzymes, surfactants and active oxygen molecules. Bleach is produced in plastic containers with a tight lid weighing from 90 to 1000 g.

Pros:

• sold in all stores;
• sealed packaging with a complete measuring spoon;
• removes old stains;
• brightens things up;
• gives a quick effect.

Minuses:

• not everyone likes a too pronounced smell;
• high cost (about 450 rubles per 0.5 kg);
• high consumption.

Stores often have promotions on products from this manufacturer. Experienced housewives advise keeping track of them and buying bleach at better prices.

Chirton Oxygen

4.7

★★★★★

editorial assessment

85%

buyers recommend this product

Chirton Bleaching Powder removes stubborn stains from whites and colored items. The product does not contain chlorine and is suitable for cleaning clothes, curtains, bedspreads, tablecloths, synthetic carpets and upholstery. The formula is based on oxygen-based reagents, surfactants, optical brightener and enzymes. The composition can be used to remove individual stains or added to the main product when washing.

Buyers note that the formula copes better with chemical stains, but may not remove old greasy stains. The composition is sold in plastic containers of 150 or 500 g with a sealed screw cap. Each package contains a convenient measuring spoon inside.

Pros:

• removes stains from linen of any color;
• whitens by several tones;
• low consumption;
• airtight storage container.

Minuses:

• very volatile - may cause coughing;
• not everyone likes the smell.

Bleach should not be used to clean wool, leather, or clothing with metal inserts.

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Advantages and disadvantages

Oxygen bleach has its benefits. These include:

1. Environmental friendliness. When the main component decomposes, components that are harmless to nature are released - oxygen, water and soda.
2. Safety. In the absence of aggressive ingredients (you need to look at the composition) it does not cause an allergic reaction.
3. Complete removal from fibers. When rinsing, it is washed out of the fabric without any residue.
4. Increased washing efficiency. Oxygen bleaches can be added to mild detergents such as soap nuts to improve washing results.

There are practically no disadvantages to oxygen bleaching agents of this variety. We can highlight:

• high cost;
• instability of components in liquid formulations - a 50% reduction in effect is noted 3 months after opening the package.

Attention! If the recommendations for use are not followed, the washing result will deteriorate.

The best bleaches for children's clothing

There is no chlorine or optical particles deposited on clothes in bleaches for children's clothing. Such products do not cause allergies and do not irritate the baby’s sensitive skin. However, even organic bleaching compounds are not recommended for washing clothes for infants up to six months.

Nanny Baby

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

100%

buyers recommend this product

Concentrated bleach for baby clothes and diapers. The formula has been tested by dermatologists and is approved for washing baby clothes from birth. The product is sold in powder form in cardboard packs of 600 g or gel in 1 liter plastic bottles.

The main component of the composition is active oxygen, which carefully removes stains from all types of fabric, including wool and silk. Bleach copes with dirt and odors of various origins, disinfects, and removes yellow and gray deposits from clothes.

Pros:

• has no age restrictions;
• hypoallergenic composition;
• suitable for thin and woolen products;
• Removes odors and stains of any origin.

Minuses:

• not always available in stores.

Bleach is easily rinsed from things, leaving only a slight aroma of freshness.

"Eared Nyan"

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

94%

buyers recommend this product

Powdered bleach is suitable for washing children's clothes from birth. The hypoallergenic composition has been clinically proven. The formula enhances the effect of the main detergent and reduces its consumption by 50%. Bleach is sold in cardboard boxes of 500 g. The packs are easy to open with the touch of a finger.

The main components are active oxygen molecules and a bleaching activator, which allows the formula to remain effective at any water temperature. The product removes stubborn stains of various origins and brightens white items.

Pros:

• available in all stores;
• effective at low temperatures;
• hypoallergenic composition;
• saves washing powder;
• whitens and removes stains.

Minuses:

• specific smell.

For maximum results, items should first be soaked in bleach for several hours and then put through the wash cycle.

BioMio

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

91%

buyers recommend this product

BioMio is a Danish liquid bleach with an environmentally friendly formula for white and colored laundry. The gentle composition removes yellowness and grayness, does not destroy the fiber structure and is easily rinsed from clothes. The product is approved for washing infant clothes and does not cause irritation to people with sensitive skin or allergies. The gel is odorless, completely decomposes, and does not harm the environment. Bleach is available in 0.75 or 1.5 liter thick plastic bottles. Convenient measuring cap ensures low consumption.

The product copes with stains from ink, paint, grass or food, as well as grease stains, traces of blood or drinks. The composition has an antibacterial effect and is effective at any temperature. Bleach does not damage delicate fabrics and is suitable for washing wool, silk, cashmere and lace items.

Pros:

• hypoallergenic composition without fragrances;
• antibacterial effect;
• does not spoil colored items and delicate fabrics;
• economical.

Minuses:

• does not cope with complex contaminants.

BioMio mild bleach will help refresh clothes and remove recent stains. For those that are difficult to remove, a more aggressive composition will be required.

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How to choose a safe bleach for laundry

When choosing bleach, you need to consider:

1. its type - products are divided into oxygen, optical and chlorine-containing, depending on the active component;
2. washing method - there are universal means, and there are those suitable only for washing by hand or in a washing machine;
3. form - can be produced in the form of a concentrated powder, tablets or liquid;
4. composition - the fewer aggressive substances, the better.

We have compiled a rating of the 15 best bleaches, which included products selected by our experts, who took into account features and consumer reviews.

The best concentrated bleaches

Concentrated products are more expensive than regular ones, but they are more effective and have less consumption.

Lion Bright

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

96%

buyers recommend this product

Oxygen bleach for delicate items is suitable for washing at any temperature. The composition has an antibacterial effect, disinfects, and removes odors and complex stains from clothes. Special enzymes allow the product to be used for colored fabrics.

The proprietary component brightens and removes yellowness from white clothes. With constant use, the product keeps things looking fresh longer. For maximum effect, you must first apply the liquid to the fabric, leave for 15 minutes, then wash as usual.

Pros:

• antibacterial effect;
• suitable for white and colored linen;
• removes yellow tint;
• removes stains and unpleasant odors.

Minuses:

• the price is above average (about 450 rubles per 1 liter);
• there are fakes.

There are many counterfeits of the product on the market - it is better to buy it only in trusted stores.

Kao Wide haiter EX Power

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

EX Power is a Japanese-made liquid bleach-stain remover. The formula was created using proprietary patented technologies. The product penetrates deep into the structure of the fabric, washes away stubborn stains, removes grime and neutralizes unpleasant odors. The composition is easily washed out without leaving skin-irritating molecules on clothes. There are no phosphates or chlorine in the gel - the action of the formula is based on enzymes that are effective in cold water.

Optical brightener brightens clothes after the first wash. The product has a pleasant aroma, is completely biodegradable, and does not harm the environment. The stain remover is designed for washing at a temperature of 30-40 degrees. Sold in plastic bottles with a measuring cap or in spray form. To save money, the manufacturer offers cheaper spare blocks in plastic bags.

Pros:

• safe biodegradable composition;
• removes old stains and odors;
• whitens by several tones;
• completely washed out of clothes;
• effective at low temperatures;
• replaceable blocks.

Minuses:

• rather high price (about 700 rubles for 600 ml);
• not suitable for silk or wool.

The product is used economically. In addition, the manufacturer strongly recommends not exceeding the dosage indicated on the package, especially when washing at high temperatures.

Molecola

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

87%

buyers recommend this product

Dry universal bleach with an environmentally friendly composition, the action of which is based on active oxygen molecules. Soap and citric acid enhance the effect. There are no harmful additives or aggressive surfactants in the formula. Stains from paint, food and drinks come off easily after the first wash. The product neutralizes unpleasant odors and restores the whiteness of things.

The powder can be used for all types of textiles; it does not disturb the structure of delicate fabrics. The concentrate is sold in boxes made of thick cardboard; the granules are additionally packed in a sealed bag. There is a measuring spoon inside.

Pros:

• economical consumption;
• safe biodegradable formula;
• convenient packaging with a measuring spoon;
• suitable for delicate items;
• removes odors and most contaminants.

Minuses:

• does not remove all stains;
• You can't buy it everywhere.

Molecola is an effective and safe bleach. A large package of concentrate is enough for 40 full washes.

When to use

White products get dirty quickly, so they have to be washed often. After only 3-4 washes, things lose their impeccable appearance. Tablecloths and towels are not strikingly white. Spots appear on them, the fabric turns gray and becomes covered with yellow stains.

There are several reasons why linen loses color:

• sun drying;
• used hard water for washing;
• dirty laundry was stored in an airtight container;
• The program and washing temperature were chosen incorrectly.

Using bleaches, they eliminate flaws from previous washes and remove fresh and old stains.

Basic rules of whitening

Sweat and dust are absorbed into the fibers, causing the fabric to turn yellow. Such stains are difficult to remove, so clothes should be washed after 1-2 wears. Traces of tea, coffee, wine, and juices must be washed off immediately - stubborn stains are more difficult to remove.

Do not use chlorine bleach to wash white items: the product may cause the fabric to become thinner. If you need to bleach delicate materials, do not apply the product directly to the clothes - first you need to check the effect of the chemical on the lining.

Do not soak clothes with iron hooks, zippers, or rivets: they oxidize and leave rust marks. It is better to wash such items by hand at 30–40˚C, turning them inside out. After rinsing, wring out the fabric and blot with a terry towel - this will reduce the risk of rust marks.

Do not wash different types of fabrics at the same time. Cotton cannot be washed with wool and synthetics, otherwise it will take on a gray tint.