A short time ago, I tried manually removing a stain from a white shirt. It worked wonderfully, and within seconds, so I figured, "Why not remove those pesky yellow deodorant stains with bleach too?" Alas, when I sprayed pure bleach on the yellow deodorant stains on my shirt, it immediately turned pink. Baffled by how bleach could dye ANYTHING pink, I tried cleaning the stains with water and soap, but they only faded very lightly.
With a heavy heart, I discarded the shirt and went online to understand what kind of chemical reaction I witnessed.
Has this ever happened to you too? Let’s look into the science of this odd pink bleach stain, as well as the practical solutions to it, lest you have to part with your shirts too.
Bleach causes the metals to oxidize rapidly. In a way, you could say that what you see on your shirt is rust. This reaction may also occur if you use a hydrogen peroxide-based stain remover, but the risk is not as high since hydrogen peroxide is not as potent as bleach. Hydrogen peroxide might dye your white garments orange instead of pink.
If your shirt has been dyed pink with bleach, not all is lost. It's all a matter of trial and error, as even the chemical makeup of the water in your living area can affect the stain. Below we list several ways to try and remove those pink stains:
1. Try spraying the stain with hydrogen peroxide-based bleach. While it may cause staining on its own, when it comes in contact with an acidic environment created by bleach, it can reverse the oxidation, as shown in this video.
2. Soak the garment in boiling water for two hours with a small scoop of powder detergent.
3. A solution of 1 quart of warm water and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar may do the trick. Soak for one hour.
You may also mix hydrogen peroxide and powdered detergent, but we would suggest treading carefully. Good luck!
How to Grow the World's Most Expensive Spice at Home
Saffron doesn't have to be that expensive. It is a natural resource that should be available for everyone - use this guide to grow your own!
We Bet You Didn't Know Bleach Had This Many Different Uses
Bleach is often used to whiten fabrics, disinfect toilets, and clean tiles. However, as you're about to see, bleach has many other alternative uses.
5 Cleaning Tasks You Shouldn’t Use a Glass Cleaner For
Here's a look at the cleaning tasks you shouldn’t use a glass cleaner for.
Use This Genius Method to Revive Dirty White Socks
In this article, we’ll show you how to remove the dirt, the staining, and the greyness from white socks with regular home supplies.
The 5 Best Ways to Do Your Laundry Quickly and Efficiently
What's the best way to clean a pair of shoes, or remove grease from fabric? Take a look:
Speed Up Your Laundry By Reducing Drying Time
Learn to speed up your laundry by reducing your drying time!
7 Ways Lemons Can Make Your Life a Whole Lot Easier!
Here you'll discover seven surprising ways how you can use lemons and lemon juice to make your life cleaner and easier.
Do You Power Nap? If Not, Here's Why You Should!
Nothing beats a good night's sleep, but there are many benefits that arise from taking a short power nap. Here are 6 of them.
Waste No More: 6 Great Ways to Use Fruit & Veggie Peels
If you want to save both money and reduce your waste, remember these 6 practical and delicious ideas for what you can do to utilize your fruit and vegetable leftovers to the max.
How to DEEP CLEAN Your Windshield Perfectly
Clean windshields are not just nice to looks at but also important for your safety! So if it's time to give your windshield a scrub, check out these important tips.
Learn How to Create a Beautiful and Impressive Hairstyle!
You don't need to spend big bucks at the hair salon to look like a superstar! Here are 16 impressive tutorials that'll make you look and feel like a queen!
How to Peel a Garlic Head in 10 Seconds Flat!
Peeling this smelly (but delicious) vegetable can be tricky. However, thanks to this tip, you'll be able to do it in 10 seconds in future.
These Old-Time Cleaning Tricks Are Pretty Genius!
We wanted to remind you of 11 traditional cleaning tricks that truly outperform newer cleaning supplies and methods!
7 Household Chores That You Should Do Less Frequently
Keeping up with our homes can take a lot of time and energy. But not all of them are worth your time and effort.
6 Beginner Friendly Morning Stretches That Promote Energy
These simple morning stretches will help you feel more energized during the day, so they're the perfect companion to your morning routine!
This Guy Found a Tip Book from the 60s, And It's Genius!
It turns out lifehacks aren't only a thing of the present, the 60's had their own book of tips and tricks to make life easier, and here are 8 of the best!
Lemons in the Oven? Read This Article to Find Out Why
Sick of mosquitoes and flies visiting your house? This surprising method will help you get rid of them effortlessly using lemons and an oven!
Tips and Tricks to Help You Choose the Freshest Vegetables
With the help of these science-based tricks, you will only choose the best vegetables at the supermarket to bring back home.
The BIGGEST Problems Houseplants Face in the Winter
Why are my houseplants dying in the winter? We review a variety of plant problems typical for the winter and get to the root causes of these problems.
Lessons in Etiquette: 21 Rules You Can’t Ignore
Watch etiquette expert William Hanson share some important tips that all of us must know.
We Need to Bring These 25 Phrases Back From the Past
These common expressions from the past are so fun to say. Many are still used but the rest are due to make a comeback any day!
Here's How You Should be Washing Your Dark Clothes
When it comes to washing dark clothes, you've got to be careful. Here's how to wash your dark clothes without ruining them!
How to Cultivate Peace in a Busy World: Mindful Living
Mindfulness, rooted in various cultural traditions, emphasizes living in the present moment, which can profoundly impact our mental and physical well-being.
5 Surprising Health Benefits of Being Stressed
Can stress have a positive effect on your body and mind? Discover the health benefits of stress here.
If You Value Your Health, Wash These 9 Foods Well
Are you washing these 9 foods correctly? Probably not!
Tip: All You Need to Know About Your Kitchen Knives
This handy quick cheat-sheet for home cooks gives you a quick run-down of what chefs know about their knives, explains the lingo, and gives some great advice!
Make Your Bathroom a Comfortable Space with These Hacks
Keep your bathroom organized with these essential hacks.
9 Ways to Care for Your Feet So They Don't Pain You
What's the best way to go about taking care of your feet? Here are 9 essential tips.
How to Spot a Liar: A Visual Guide
This video will teach you a few things about telling a liar from an honest person - especially if they are politicians...
Knowing These 12 Warning Signs Could Save Your Pet's Life!
If your pets exhibit any of these 12 symptoms, you should take them to the vet immediately!
The Best and Worst Canned Foods for Your Pantry
All you need to know about canned foods ever!
Running Out of Storage Space? Keep These 20 Tips in Mind
Running out of storage ideas? Here are 20 space saving ideas to bear in mind.
Plant Nutrients Explained: EVERYTHING You Need to Know
Understanding plant nutrition is key to having healthy plants and a healthy garden.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Olive Oil To Fry Or Braise Food
Stovetop cooking is very versatile, but most people are disappointed with this cooking method because they make one of these 10 mistakes...
Keep Your Lemons Fresh for Longer with These Hacks
Have you tried these lemon storage hacks yet?
Stay Away From These Common Items If You Value Your Life!
Here are 15 surprising things that could end up taking your life if you're not careful!
Men vs. Women: 15 Things Each Do that Annoy the Other
Are you guilty of doing these annoying 30 things to your partner?
62 Great Uses For Things You Have at Home!
If you keep finding random objects around your house such as rubber bands and old clothespins, don't throw them away just yet!
9 Skincare Treatments My Granny Taught Me
it's time to discover what these 9 special beauty products contain.
Watch: A Simple Breathing Technique to Reduce Stress
This is a slow breathing exercise which works wonders for those anxiety-filled situations you just can't control.
Loop, Knot, Drape: Fall Scarf Tying 101
This lovely woman demonstrates the better versions of how to wear a scarf, what not to do and how to easily make beautiful fashion choices.
Clean Your Washing Machine With This Easy DIY Cleaner
This natural DIY formula will keep your washing machine safe and clean.
Are You a Magnet For Mosquitoes? This May Be Why!
Mosquitoes are pesky little creatures, and sadly, some of us are more prone to getting bitten than others. Find out why in this guide.
13 Common Refrigerator Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistakes you didn't know you were making with your fridge.
Super Tutorial: Top 100 Construction Tips and Hacks
Whether you're a skilled construction worker or just starting out, these practical insights will help you excel using simple tools.
Keep Your Oven Clean with This All-Natural Cleaner
This non-toxic all-natural oven cleaner will keep your oven looking spick and span.
7 Chemical-Free Ways to Rid Your House of Termites
Termites can cause a lot of destruction, but luckily there are chemical-free ways to get rid of them. Here are 7 of them: