1. Read the Label: Check the garment label before laundering; some fabrics cannot be washed using liquid household bleach (sodium hypochlorite). If liquid household bleach is not recommended, you can use a color-safe (oxygen) bleach to help remove stains and odors. Also read the cleaning product label. Some detergents have color-safe bleach or bleach alternative built into the product. However, remember that these products do not disinfect.

2. Test: Dip a cotton swab in the bleach/water solution and dab on an inside seam. If the fabric color remains, then you should be safe.

3. Start small: Lay the stained section of the garment flat and be sure there not layers of fabric or anything underneath that can be affected. Work from the outer edge of the stain in, rinse with fresh water when the stain is gone.

4. Bleaching the whole load: Read the label on the bleach product to determine the amount to use when adding bleach to an entire load of laundry. Consult your washing machine use manual to see if you should add the bleach to the drum or to a special dispenser drawer or section.

Chlorine bleach can be used to disinfect and sanitize laundry and well as kitchen, bathroom and other surfaces around the home. Disinfectants and disinfectant cleaners are the only products that kill germs—but they only work if the label directions are followed.