Rating TOP 7 best fabric brighteners: which one to choose, reviews, price

As a rule, bleaches are divided into three main types, depending on the working substance:

• Oxygen.
  The main active ingredient is sodium percarbonate. Upon contact with water, this substance breaks down into baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, from which active oxygen is released. The advantage of this type is the possibility of using it for delicate and colored materials, since it begins to work in water at a temperature of 30˚C.
• Optical.
  They are created with a fluorescent substance that creates the illusion of whiter fabric. Due to the organic dye in the composition, the fibers more brightly reflect the rays of the violet-blue part of the spectrum. As a result, the item looks whiter, the yellowness is masked, but in fact it is not cleaned. Often this substance is added as an additional component to washing powders and oxygen brighteners.
• Chlorine-containing.
  This type is most familiar to many housewives. It is characterized by low price and efficiency. As an active component it contains sodium hypochlorite, from which chlorine gas is released. The main disadvantage is the risk of damage to fabric fibers, since chlorine can destroy their outer layer.

Based on your needs, you should also pay attention to the following characteristics of bleaches:

• Washing type.
  Some products are only suitable for hand or machine washing, while others are universal.
• Release form.
  There are powdered bleaches and there are liquid ones. The choice depends on your preferences.
• Compound.
  Now there are many products on the market made from environmentally friendly and safe ingredients. This is especially true for families with children or for people with allergies.

Introducing the 2022 rating of fabric whiteners. The best 14 products that were selected by our experts based on user reviews and ratings.

Which brand of laundry bleach is best to choose?

This rating describes products from 8 widely popular brands on the household chemicals market. Both budget products and more expensive products with universal action are presented here.

The most popular bleach brands are:

• Synergetic is a Russian brand of environmentally friendly and safe household chemicals for washing white and colored items made from natural and synthetic materials. Its products are distinguished by their delicate effect on linen, quick cleansing effect, and lightening of clothes by 2-3 tones. It is sold in liquid form and has an optimal consistency, which allows the composition to be rinsed out of fabrics faster.
• Amway is an American company that produces a wide range of household chemicals, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and water filters. Its bleaches performed well in caring for white laundry with noticeable yellowing and old stains. They are effective in both cool and warm water, and help with both hand and machine washing. The company has been operating since 1959 and is headquartered in Michigan.
• Vanish is a brand that has become especially popular after the release of a line of household chemicals for home and clothing care. She has both individual bleaches and complex action products that simultaneously remove various stains. The brand's assortment includes both powder and liquid forms. They give quick results, are hypoallergenic and can be washed out of fabrics without much difficulty.
• Ace is a well-known brand in Europe that supplies the market with universal household chemicals, including those for whitening things. They are beneficial due to the optimal combination of price and quality, economical consumption due to high concentration and quick solution to the problem - in one or two processing of items by hand or in a washing machine. Their regular use does not harm the processed products, household appliances and human skin.
• Selena is a brand owned by the company, which produces washing, cleaning, and bleaching products at its own factory, in particular, some of the best laundry bleaches. The company has been operating since 1996 and supplies products to more than 120 cities in Russia, as well as Belarus, Moldova and a number of other countries. Its oxygen bleaches do not provoke the development of dermatological diseases due to the absence of chlorine in the composition, do not harm health and do not change the structure of the laundry.
• Faberlic is a Russian cosmetics company specializing in direct sales. It has been operating in this market since 1997 and offers a wide range of household chemicals. Its bleaching products are in high demand due to the absence of hazardous substances in the composition, their delicate effect on linens made from both synthetic and natural fabrics, and the effective removal of difficult stains by hand and machine.
• CJ Lion is a Japanese company that began operating in 1991. It was at this time that the production of the first washing powders, detergents, etc. was launched. Today, mild and environmentally friendly oxygen fabric bleaches have been added to its range. They are sold in bags, bottles, cans, have a shelf life of 12 months and are designed for both manual and automatic washing.
• Eared Nyan is a series of household chemicals for washing children's clothes and washing dishes for children. Compared to other manufacturers, it is produced specifically for these purposes and is made from environmentally friendly components. This company's bleaches are bottled in convenient packaging or sold as powder in bags. Both of them can be rinsed out of laundry well.

How to bleach laundry at home effectively

Simple methods will allow you to effectively whiten laundry from yellowing and grayness.

Laundry soap and Vanish

Soak the laundry in a solution of laundry soap for three hours. The water temperature should not be higher than 40°C. Place the bedding in the washing machine, add Vanish, turn on the long wash mode and an additional rinse to thoroughly rinse the soap from the fibers. At the end of the wash cycle, dry the items in the sun.

Laundry soap, ammonia and turpentine

Linen and cotton fabrics require special care. To remove dirt, place the laundry in boiling water and boil for several minutes. While the bedding is “cooking”, prepare a mixture that needs to be added after boiling. In a small container, mix half a bar of laundry soap, 20 milliliters of ammonia, 30 milliliters of turpentine and half a liter of warm water. Bring the mixture to a homogeneous consistency. When the water in the boiled laundry has cooled down a little, add the resulting solution and rinse the item thoroughly. Soak things throughout the day. Then rinse it in clean water and boil again. Then wash in a soap solution based on laundry soap, rinse and dry in the sun.

Rating of the best fabric brighteners

Of primary importance when searching for good bleaches was the combination of their effectiveness, versatility, safety, ease of use, and affordability. This TOP considers just such compositions from the most popular manufacturers.

Here's what was taken into account when including nominees in this rating:

• Type of product – liquid or dry;
• Purpose – whitening laundry, removing stains, eliminating odors, etc.;
• Possibility of use for caring for children's things;
• Natural and hypoallergenic composition;
• Packaging volume and its convenience;
• Economical consumption and speed of dissolution in water;
• Safety for fabrics, human skin, pipes, the environment and the washing machine;
• Type of suitable washing - machine or hand;
• Smell, color and consistency;
• Effectiveness of exposure in water of different temperatures;
• Time required for soaking (if required according to instructions);
• The number of tones to which the laundry is bleached;
• Expiration date from the date of production.

An important criterion when deciding whether to include in the rating of the best bleaches for white laundry was the ratio of their price and quality.

The best fabric softeners

Advantages and disadvantages

Oxygen bleach has its benefits. These include:

1. Environmental friendliness. When the main component decomposes, components that are harmless to nature are released - oxygen, water and soda.
2. Safety. In the absence of aggressive ingredients (you need to look at the composition) it does not cause an allergic reaction.
3. Complete removal from fibers. When rinsing, it is washed out of the fabric without any residue.
4. Increased washing efficiency. Oxygen bleaches can be added to mild detergents such as soap nuts to improve washing results.

There are practically no disadvantages to oxygen bleaching agents of this variety. We can highlight:

• high cost;
• instability of components in liquid formulations - a 50% reduction in effect is noted 3 months after opening the package.

Attention! If the recommendations for use are not followed, the washing result will deteriorate.

The best liquid fabric brighteners

This form is popular due to the high concentration of active ingredients, quick action and easy rinsing of clothes. Liquids are often more expensive than powders. Among the 7 options considered, based on their effectiveness, safety, versatility and ease of use, it was decided to include the 3 best products in this TOP category.

Ace Gel Ultra

The Ace Gel Ultra liquid product is similar to white in its principle of action and type of packaging, but, unlike it, it is harmless to health and tissues. It is a thick gel, the active component of which is chlorine. Thanks to this, clothes acquire shine, freshness and cleanliness after washing. It is used both for manual processing of things and for loading into a washing machine. The effectiveness of this bleach is practically independent of water temperature.

Ace Gel Ultra has a medium consistency and easily dissolves in water. It is distinguished by a pleasant, not pungent smell, which clothes also acquire after washing. It lasts for a long time, and due to the good rinsing of the composition, the skin is not irritated when in contact with clean things. Due to the delicacy of care, this gel is ideal for caring for bed linen.

Advantages

• Shelf life – 12 months from the date of production;
• Does not have a strong odor;
• Inexpensive;
• Not a source of hazardous vapors;
• Sold in 1 liter volume;
• Convenient packaging in the form of a bottle.

Flaws

• It costs more than white and powder products.

Reviews note that Ace Gel Ultra bleach is highly concentrated and does not require much consumption. It is also easy to rinse out of fabrics and is suitable for caring for any type of fabric.

Synergetic with active oxygen

This is a universal liquid bleach that is suitable for washing all types of fabrics, both artificial and natural. It returns whiteness to linen and does not disturb its structure, maintaining a fresh appearance. Its concentration guarantees economical consumption and high efficiency in removing the most difficult stains of various origins - coffee, grass, etc.

Synergetic, due to its saturation with active oxygen, does not require long-term pre-soaking of dirty clothes. However, you will still have to rub problem areas when washing if it is done manually. It also helps remove foreign odors, which is especially important for heavy smokers and pet owners.

Advantages

• Contains plant N-tensides;
• 100% washable from fabrics;
• Does not require a large amount of water when rinsing clothes;
• Suitable for caring for children's underwear;
• Does not cause skin irritation upon contact.

Flaws

• Not the cheapest option;
• The packaging is not transparent.

As testing has shown, bleach copes well with its tasks, has an optimal consistency and easily dissolves in water, but if there are stains on the fabrics, it is still better to pre-soak the items.

Amway SA8

The product has proven itself well among customers, as it not only adequately whitens white items, but also removes stains from colored fabrics. The product combats traces of coffee, tea, juice, wine, and dyes. In this case, the water temperature during washing can fluctuate from 20 to 90 degrees, but it is still better for it to be high. Despite the active action, the products are not damaged and do not lose their color due to the absence of chlorine and other dangerous components in the composition.

Amway SA8 bleach has a pleasant smell, which is transferred to clothes after washing. It effectively combats the smell of burning, cigarettes, etc. The product has successfully passed dermatological testing and is found safe for human skin. It is classified as a concentrate that is consumed economically and is washed off without any problems, compared to similar powder formulations.

Advantages

• Not dangerous for sewerage systems;
• Does not contain phosphates;
• Biodegradable composition;
• Includes highly active substances;
• Fast acting;
• Gives things freshness.

Flaws

• Expensive;
• It is rarely sold in brick-and-mortar stores - you need to order it online.

The product is sold in 1 kg bottles; due to the high concentration of active ingredients, it is enough for more than one month of regular use.

Composition and principle of action

Oxygen bleach contains sodium percarbonate (persalt). It copes well with any “natural” stains on things - stains from tea, coffee, juice, grass, etc.

Persalt looks like white granules. It is obtained by crystallization of hydrogen peroxide and soda. After getting into warm water, an active chemical reaction occurs with the release of oxygen. It is she who is responsible for effective whitening of laundry.

In addition to sodium percarbonate, oxygen bleaches also contain surfactants, various fragrances and enzymes.

Important! To activate the composition, the water can have a temperature of only 30 degrees. Therefore, bleaches from the oxygen group are suitable for thin and delicate fabrics.

The best dry fabric bleaches

In fact, in appearance, such products are no different from ordinary washing powders, only they are much more effective at bleaching light-colored items and removing stains from colored laundry. The products described in this rating category cope well with these tasks; they are recognized as the best due to their mild and quick effect on almost any type of contaminant.

Vanish Gold Oxi Action

This product is available in powder form and packaged in convenient, airtight jars. This eliminates contact with water and increases shelf life. Bleach is available in several volumes - 90, 250, 500 and 1000 g, and the larger it is, the better the purchase. The desired result is achieved in half a minute - clothes are lightened by 3 tones.

The high effectiveness of Vanish Gold Oxi Action is due to the fact that it contains oxygen. It contains only safe components within acceptable limits - anionic and nonionic surfactants (up to 5%), enzymes, zeolites. It is not recommended to use it in its pure form, since the consumption will be uneconomical and the result will be worse. To clean the first time, it is necessary to prepare the solution strictly in the proportions specified in the instructions.

Advantages

• Can be left to soak without harm for 6 hours;
• Safe for washing machine;
• There is no need to rub problem areas too hard;
• Does not require long rinsing;
• Removes stains of various origins;
• Leaves a pleasant smell on clothes.

Flaws

• Not suitable for bleaching wool, silk and leather items.

Reviews of this fabric bleach say that after soaking, it is better not to leave clothes in direct sunlight or near heat sources.

Selena Persol Extra

This is the cheapest tool in this rating, and, nevertheless, it copes with its tasks very well. With its help, you can whiten things by 1-2 tones and even remove fresh stains from berries, fruits, coffee, tea, and wine. Its use does not lead to loss of the original appearance of clothing. The composition is easily rinsed out of fabrics and does not cause skin irritation upon contact with a clean product.

Oxygen bleach Selena Extra Persol, in addition to everything, removes blockages in sink drains and pipes when draining water from the washing machine. It can be placed either in the equipment drum or in a special compartment. This product is suitable for processing items at both low and high temperatures, including hand washing. In addition, it can be used while cleaning the kitchen.

Advantages

• Fine grind;
• Quickly dissolves in water;
• Does not settle on the walls of the machine drum;
• Cheapness;
• It is washed off from clothes the first or second time.

Flaws

• Without pre-soaking, the effect is less bright;
• It is not recommended to wash by hand for a long time without gloves.

Selena bleach is available in 200 g bags, which is enough for 2-4 weeks of regular use.

Faberlic Extra Oxy

This is another powdered bleach for whites and colors that works well in both cold and warm water. According to reviews, it returns whiteness to clothes in one wash and its consumption is low due to the high concentration of active substances in the composition. At the same time, it does not contain harmful chlorine and phosphates, which can cause allergies in humans and provoke the development of dermatological diseases.

Faberlic Extra Oxy is sold in convenient packages with a capacity of 500 g. The powder dissolves quickly in water and does not harm the washing machine. It does not get stuck in the fibers of things and is washed out of them without any problems, both during manual and machine rinsing. The product is valuable because it is suitable for caring for completely different fabrics - both natural and synthetic. With its help, it is possible to get rid of stubborn dirt.

Advantages

• You can wash not only white, but also light-colored items;
• No unpleasant odor;
• Gives clothes a fresh scent;
• Returns things to their original appearance;
• Hypoallergenic composition.

Flaws

• Not cheap, although as many as 500 g are available in the package.

As they say in reviews of this good bleach, Faberlic Extra Oxy is widely used for washing both white clothes and bed linen.

CJ Lion Clean Plus

The product is worthy of a place in the ranking due to its effective fight against various types of stains on clothes and bed linen. This bleach is oxygen, which makes it useful for stains from juice, grass, fruit, and tea. With its help you can remove both fresh and old dirt. As a result, things acquire freshness and are updated, although, of course, it is unlikely that they will be restored to their original appearance.

CJ Lion Clean Plus is suitable for hand and machine washing, but, naturally, in the latter case the effect will be somewhat brighter. It penetrates into the tissue structure, which guarantees the speed of the composition. However, due to the absence of aggressive chemicals in it, there is no harm to tissues. This also eliminates health hazards. Bleach is sold in 1.4 kg bags.

Advantages

• Has a disinfecting effect;
• Prevents the growth of bacteria and mold inside the washing drum;
• Gives an antifungal effect;
• Protects the washing machine from the negative effects of water;
• Softens things.

Flaws

• The inscriptions on the packages are not translated into Russian;
• To remove difficult stains requires soaking the laundry.

Reviews show that CJ Lion Clean Plus Bleach gets rid of most stains the first time. But it is valued not only for its effectiveness, but also for its hypoallergenicity, environmental friendliness and affordable cost.

What to look for when choosing

Bleaching agents are divided into 3 groups based on the active ingredient. Study their characteristics and operating principle:

• Chlorine. The basis of such products is sodium hypochlorite. It has powerful antimicrobial and oxidizing properties. Therefore, it returns the natural whiteness of fabrics well. They operate at temperatures of 40-60 °C. However, it is worth considering that with frequent use, fabric fibers lose strength. Bleach is not suitable for delicate fabrics.
• Oxygen. Copes with all types of stains and dirt on clothes. Suitable for use with delicate fabrics. The products do not affect the structure of fabric fibers. They are hypoallergenic. Used at temperatures 60-90 °C.
• Optical. Such products do not have a negative effect on the fabric and do not remove dirt. The smallest particles of the product settle on the fibers, then they reflect ultraviolet radiation, which creates only a visual effect of whiteness. Such products are often included in washing powders.

Please pay attention to the product packaging. Liquid products are sold in bottles, while powder products have three packaging options:

• Plastic bag. It is lightweight and practical. Often in such packages you can take the product for testing (about 80 grams). In addition, the packaging is inexpensive, which means it does not affect the price of the product itself. The disadvantages include fragility - there is a possibility that the bag will tear and spray chemical particles around, which can provoke an allergic reaction.
• Cardboard box. It is more convenient to pour the product out of the packaging and convenient to store it. However, there is a danger that the cardboard will get wet, and with it the product.
• Plastic jars. The most convenient container: durable and airtight, convenient to pour and store the product. However, bleach in cans tends to be more expensive.

Don't forget to look at the expiration date of the product. An expired product will be dangerous to your health.

The best brighteners for baby clothes

There are not very many specialized products of this type on the market; it is often necessary to use products for adults with a minimum content of harmful components. An alternative option here is to purchase a product from the most popular brand on the market of children's household chemicals, “Ushasty Nyan”.

Eared Nian

Bleach “Eared Nyan” is designed specifically for washing white clothes. Its natural composition and the absence of dangerous chemicals in it help to avoid allergic reactions in children. Because of this, this product is also used to care for newborns’ linen. With its help, stains are removed, which makes it possible to save on the purchase of additional gels.

The “Eared Nyan” product copes with strong odors from clothes, including urine, which is especially important when caring for the white linen of newborns. It is available in liquid form and easily dissolves in water without settling on things. Due to this, it is possible to quickly rinse the composition from things. The gel is bottled in convenient bottles with a handle.

Advantages

• Affordable price;
• Does not contain chlorine;
• Does not cause dermatological diseases;
• Provides delicate care for things;
• Does not disrupt tissue structure.

Flaws

• Not transparent packaging.

Although “Eared Nyan” bleach was developed for the care of children’s clothing, it is often used for washing adult clothes.

When to use

The main purpose of bleaching agents is to brighten. Therefore, these measures are primarily used for white items.

Some manufacturers produce special bleaches for color washing. These are soft substances that restore and maintain color. Some bleaches contain stain-removing ingredients and can deal with different types of stains.

Carefully! When choosing a whitening product, read the label carefully. If it is written that the product is intended only for white laundry, this means that it cannot be used for washing many colored items.

Which laundry bleach is best to buy?

Speaking about which bleach is best suited for what, it should be noted that for hand washing it is most convenient to use liquids that are easier to rinse out of various fabrics. But for loading into the drum of a washing machine or its special compartment, you can safely take powders. Both of them work well with stains, but to remove them it is recommended to pre-soak the laundry. To care for newborn clothes, you need to buy products created specifically for this purpose.

When making a choice in favor of one or another bleach from this rating, it is worth considering the purposes of its use:

• If you need to restore the snow-whiteness of your shirt, then Ace Gel Ultra will be just right.
• Light-colored items are well cleaned by Synergetic gel containing active oxygen.
• Amway SA8 is quite suitable for washing clothes by hand and at low temperatures.
• Those who want to remove yellowness from white clothes should choose Vanish Gold Oxi Action.
• When loading products into the washing machine, you can use Selena Persol Extra.
• If we are talking about natural fabrics, then it would not be a mistake to buy Faberlic Extra Oxy powder.
• CJ Lion Clean Plus will do an excellent job with various stains on light-colored items.
• It is better to whiten newborns' linen using the Eared Nyan gel.

Regardless of which bleach you choose, it is best to combine it with a stain remover and powder. This combination will keep your clothes clean and fresh.

Folk remedies

We can whiten white things using some folk remedies:

• Boiling. Our great-grandmothers used the method, and it managed to prove its effectiveness. Things were put into a large metal pan and boiled until the color returned. If the stains were too severe, laundry soap was added.
• Baking soda. Excellent for cleaning fresh stains. Just add the product to the powder compartment and wait for the wash to finish.
• Ammonia. The laundry is soaked in a solution consisting of water (5 l) and ammonia (no more than 1 tbsp). Wait a few hours and rinse the laundry. Wipe off heavy dirt with brushes.