The Only Time Bleach Is An Okay Choice For Carpet Cleaning

Carpet maintenance can be a bit of a hassle, however, in most cases, you should never use bleach as a solution. Bleach is an abrasive chemical that can leave your favorite rug permanently discolored. Although using bleach is often considered a major carpet cleaning mistake, there are some instances where it may not cause lasting damage. Carpets that are white or made of 100% polypropylene may not be as significantly affected by bleach, but even still, it should be used only as a last resort. Use oxygen bleach for a gentler alternative to chlorine bleach, but with similar benefits. 

The least-harmful carpet cleaning solution is to use a steamer, as the only ingredient is water vapor. For spot cleaning and stain removal, try mixing white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, misting the affected area, then sprinkling baking soda on top. However, some stains are harder to lift than others, such as cooking oil, wine, coffee, and ink. Before you resort to bleach, it's important to know whether or not it is safe to use on your carpet and, if so, things to keep in mind to ensure that you use it safely.

Some professional carpet cleaning services advise against using bleach altogether. Bleach is known to damage colored carpets, as the oxidation process causes the chemicals of the dye to break down and lose pigment. It may also damage the back of the carpet in the process, as the bleach could seep through the fibers. Given that bleach is a harsh chemical, it may not be safe to use on carpets if you have children and pets in the home.

There are only a couple of exceptions when it comes to using bleach on a carpet. If your carpet is made of polypropylene, then bleach may not damage it. Polypropylene is a popular synthetic material used for carpets, because it tends to be more stain-resistant, affordable, and low-maintenance than the alternatives. Due to the non-porous surface, polypropylene fibers will not absorb bleach, and therefore will not lose their color. Ensure that your carpet is made of 100% polypropylene before using bleach, and even then, use a diluted mixture of one part bleach and one part water. In this instance, bleach should be used as a last resort for lifting stubborn stains like ink or red wine.

Another exception for using bleach-based cleaner is on white or nearly-white carpets. Bleach is often used to brighten or lift stains from white fabrics, and the same is true for white carpets. However, chlorine bleach may cause yellow discoloration on white carpets if it's overused or used incorrectly. When using bleach on white carpet, apply the watered-down solution onto the affected area with a spray bottle, and rinse it well with water after letting it sit for no longer than 30 minutes.