Will Bleach Damage My Washing Machine?

Many of you rely on bleach as a powerful tool to tackle tough stains and maintain the pristine cleanliness of your laundry.

Yet, lurking beneath the convenience of this household staple is a question that often goes unasked: “Will bleach damage my washing machine?”

This seemingly innocuous substance, when used incorrectly or excessively, can potentially wreak havoc on the very appliance you depend on for clean clothes.

Let’s discover whether bleach can do any harm to your washing machine!

Will Bleach Damage My Washing Machine?

Bleach, when used properly, typically won’t damage your washing machine. Most modern washing machines are designed to handle bleach safely.

However, it’s essential to follow some precautions to prevent potential issues.

1. Dilution: Always dilute bleach before adding it to your washing machine. Never pour undiluted bleach directly into the drum, as this can damage the machine’s components.
2. Dispenser: Use the bleach dispenser compartment if your washing machine has one. This ensures that the bleach is added at the right time during the wash cycle and prevents direct contact with sensitive parts.
3. Moderation: Don’t overuse bleach. Excessive bleach can deteriorate rubber seals and hoses over time, potentially causing leaks.
4. Rinse Thoroughly: Run an extra rinse cycle after using bleach to ensure that any residual bleach is completely removed from the machine.
5. Compatibility: Check your washing machine’s user manual for specific guidelines regarding bleach usage, as recommendations can vary among different models.

Different types of bleach

It’s important to point out that there are different types of bleach. Chlorine bleach is the most common type and is what you’ll find in most household cleaners.

Oxygen bleaches, on the other hand, are much gentler and are often used in laundry detergents.

Even oxygen bleach can damage some fabrics and washing machines if used incorrectly.

Is It Okay to Put Bleach in a Washing Machine?

Bleach is the most effective, budget-friendly disinfectant that may help kill bacteria due to the active ingredient sodium hypochlorite. Besides functioning as a disinfectant, many have tried getting rid of stains on clothes by using bleach and successfully managed to get the stain off.

But what about cleaning your washing machine? Is it okay to put bleach inside, or will it damage the washing machine?

Fortunately, you can use bleach to clean the washing machine and get rid of all the nasty gems, as long as it’s used correctly. However, don’t practice using bleach every day.

Bleach is a corrosive substance that can damage the metal parts of your washing machine, as well as your clothes, if not used properly. Over time, overusing bleach in your washing machine will cause it to rust and fall apart.

If you do decide to put bleach, run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all bleach residues are thoroughly removed from the clothes and washing machine.

How to Clean the Washing Machine With Bleach

First, you need to check the washing machine instructions to ensure that the washing machine at home allows for bleach. If it’s safe, follow the dosing instructions to prevent it from ruining the washing machine.

Besides the proper dosing, you need to follow certain steps to ensure you clean the washing machine properly.

1. Run an empty clean-out cycle to sanitize the washing machine.
2. Use hot water.
3. Choose the program for extra rinse and add bleach to the automatic bleach dispenser.
4. Run the cycle.
5. If your washing machine doesn’t have a bleach dispenser, add it to the washer tub.
6. Run an extra rinse to fully wash off the bleach.
7. If you still smell bleach, run an extra cycle to ensure you get all of the bleach out.

Read more: Will Epsom Salts Damage My Washing Machine?

Can I Use Bleach on My Clothes?

Before using any type of bleach on your clothes or in your washing machine, it’s always best to read the care labels or manufacturer’s instructions first. This will give you specific information on how to use and dilute the bleach safely.

Generally speaking, you should only use a very small amount of bleach in your washing machine.

It’s also important to remember that bleach and detergent should never be mixed together directly, as it can damage the machine. Doing this will help to prevent any damage to your clothes or washing machine.

Be sure to read the care labels or manufacturer’s instructions before using any type of bleach on your clothes or in your machine. Plus, always remember to mix the bleach with water before adding it to the washing cycle.

Yet, it is essential to use bleach properly and with caution to avoid potential damage to the washing machine and ensure the safety of the appliance and your laundry.

What Happens If You Put Too Much Bleach in a Washing Machine?

If you put too much bleach in the washing machine, it will ruin your clothes and might also damage the washing machine.

When bleach is mixed with other detergents and chemicals in the washing machine, it can create dangerous fumes that can cause respiratory problems.

It can also cause bleaching or discoloration of clothes and might even corrode the metal parts of the washing machine.

For these reasons, it is important to carefully follow the dosage instructions on the bleach bottle and never exceed the recommended amount.

Conclusion

Now that you have the answer to the question on every homeowner’s mind: “Will bleach damage my washing machine?” it’s time to start cleaning your whites.

Luckily, you can safely use bleach in your washing machine to clean white clothes and linens without risking damage to the appliance.