Speed Queen is the world’s number 1 industrial laundry. In this article, you will discover the principal methods for bleaching household linen and white clothing.

Instructions for bleaching linen

Before using a bleaching agent, make sure there are no bleach warnings on your linen, as well checking as the textile composition of clothing/linen:

Symbols/Meaning
Label with No instruction for washing
No particular instruction: you can bleach your linen with any bleaching agent.
[clear]
Label warning to not use bleach
Do not use bleach. Use products intended for colors and delicate linen.
[clear]
Label to avoid bleaching
Avoid bleaching.
[clear]
Label to use Sodium Percarbonate
Sodium percarbonate may be used.

Understand clothes labelling with our article: understanding washing labels

Lemon & yeast

Add some lemon juice in your laundry tub and start the machine. If you do not have a washing machine, you can soak your clothes in a basin of boiling water with the juice of a whole lemon. You can also add lemon juice to the rinsing water.

Alternatively, add some baking powder to your washing powder.

Bicarbonate, percarbonate & washing soda

If you wash your clothes by hand, pour 500 g of bicarbonate into the rinsing water. If you use a washing machine, add 125 ml of washing soda to your laundry: you will give an extra sheen to your laundry.

Another option is to soak clothes for about two hours in a solution of warm water and sodium percarbonate (solid hydrogen peroxide).

Hydrogen peroxide

You can use hydrogen peroxide (30%) for bleaching linen, ether for machine or hand washing. However, avoid laundering delicate linen with hydrogen peroxide.

For a professional-quality wash, use one of our laundromats: Speed Queen machines are built using the same materials as the professional washing machines you find in industrial laundries and luxury hotels.