Liquid bleach is a laundry room staple because it whitens, removes stains, and disinfects. It’s also economical to buy. It whitens laundry because it “bleaches” or removes the color from fabric. That’s one reason why you must be careful with it. Full-strength bleach will cause permanent white stains. It can also create holes in fabrics. Once bleach is diluted by being mixed with plenty of water, it’s safe to add it to your washing machine.
Using the Bleach Dispenser
Adding liquid bleach to a washing machine that has a dispenser is a snap. All you need to do is fill the dispenser. The machine will release the bleach at the proper time. Refer to the owner’s manual that came with your washing machine if you have questions about how to use the dispenser.
Adding Bleach Directly to the Washing Machine Tub
There are two ways to do this. According to the Textile Industry Affairs, this is the best method to use to get your laundry the cleanest-
1) Start the washing machine so it begins to fill with water. Measure out the detergent and add that to the tub. Place the load of clothes into the machine. (The laundry should be placed loosely in the tub to avoid overcrowding.) Allow the tub to fill completely with water, then wait for the machine to agitate. Measure the amount of liquid bleach you’re going to use. Dilute the bleach in a quart of water. After the washing machine has agitated for 5 minutes, slowly pour the diluted bleach into the tub.
2) If you’re in a hurry, add liquid bleach to your washing machine the abbreviated way. Start the washing machine and let it begin to fill with water. Measure out the detergent and pour that in the tub. Measure out the bleach and pour it in the tub. Wait until the washing machine fills up with water. Let it agitate a few minutes so the bleach thoroughly mixes with the water. Then, add the load of laundry.
Resources
http://www.textileaffairs.com/stains.htm
http://www.clorox.com/products/clorox-regular-bleach/how-to/