2 DIY Tricks to Remove Bleach Stains from Cloth

 

2 DIY Tricks to Remove Bleach Stains from Clothes

We’ve all been there—accidentally splashing bleach on a favorite shirt or towel, only to discover an ugly, faded spot that seems impossible to fix. Bleach stains aren't really stains in the traditional sense—bleach actually removes the dye from fabric, which makes them especially tricky to "remove."

But don’t worry. While you can’t reverse the chemical damage, there are a couple of DIY tricks that can help you disguise or repair bleach stains and bring your clothes back to life.

🧼 Trick 1: Use Fabric Dye to Recolor the Spot

Best for: Solid-colored clothing, especially darker shades.

Bleach removes color, so one of the most effective solutions is to add the color back.

What You’ll Need:

• Fabric dye (liquid or powder) in a color that matches your garment

• Cotton swabs or a small paintbrush

• Gloves

• Old towel or cardboard (to place under the fabric)

• Water and bowl (if using powder dye)

Steps:

1. Place the garment on a flat surface with an old towel or cardboard underneath to protect the area.

2. Mix the dye (follow package instructions if using powder).

3. Dip a cotton swab or brush into the dye and carefully apply it only to the bleached area.

4. Let it sit for the recommended time (usually 30 minutes).

5. Rinse and dry according to dye instructions.

✅ Tip: For dark fabrics like black or navy, a fabric marker or even permanent marker (like Sharpie) can also work in a pinch!

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🍂 Trick 2: Use a Fabric Marker or Permanent Marker

Best for: Small bleach spots on dark clothing.

If the bleached area is small, you can hide it with a marker—fast, easy, and surprisingly effective.

What You’ll Need:

• Fabric marker (or permanent marker) in a matching color

• Rubbing alcohol (optional for blending)

• Cotton swab (optional)

Steps:

1. Test the marker on a hidden part of the fabric to check for color match.

2. Color in the bleach spot carefully, using light layers.

3. If needed, blend the edges using a cotton swab slightly dampened with rubbing alcohol.

4. Let it dry, and you’re good to go!

✅ Tip: Wash the item by hand or in cold water to keep the color from fading too quickly.

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⚠️ What NOT to Do

• Don’t try to bleach the entire garment to match—this usually ends in disaster unless the fabric is bleach-safe and evenly saturated.

• Don’t use regular paint or ink—they crack and wash out.

• Avoid heat (like ironing) right after treatment—it can set the spot.

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Final Thoughts

Bleach stains might feel like the end of your favorite shirt, but with a little creativity and these two DIY tricks, you can save it—and no one will ever know the difference. Whether you choose to re-dye or simply touch it up with a marker, your clothes can live to see another stylish day.