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LAUNDRY

its toll on colors and fabric life. Using chlorine bleach may be tricky, but buying it is simple. The only real difference you are likely to find is price. All-fabric oxygen bleaches have the advantage of being safe with most fabrics and dyes, even over the long term. But they're much more expensive to use than chlorine bleaches. A good approach is the occasional use of chlorine bleach on chlorine-safe white fabrics to deliver the whitening you need. Never use chlorine and oxygen bleaches together; they will counteract each other. Use all-fabric bleach to brighten colors without fading and to whiten fabrics that are not safe for use with chlorine bleach. When you use bleach, follow these guidelines: Before you bleach, read the garment's care label. If it says "no bleach," don't use any kind of bleach. Chlorine bleach is usually safe on cottons, linens, and some colorfast fabrics. Don't use chlorine bleach on wool, silk, mohair, leather (e.g., buttons, Spandex, or noncolorfast fabrics or dyes). If you're unsure about the safety of a bleach for a garment, first do a safety test on an inside seam as recommended on the bleach's label. Never use chlorine bleach with hand dishwashing liquids, ammonia, or toilet cleaners. The combination can produce irritating fumes. Chlorine bleach must first be diluted as directed on the product's label. It should then be added 5 to 6 minutes after the wash cycle has started. Oxygen bleach should be added with the laundry detergent to the wash water before the laundry is added. It is safe on washable fabrics. It works more effectively at higher wash temperatures than at cooler temperatures.