bleach
noun (countable)
UK/bliːtʃ/US/bliːtʃ/
A chemical used to whiten or disinfect, typically containing chlorine or another strong oxidizing agent.
Example Sentences
She added bleach to the laundry to remove stubborn stains and disinfect the clothes.
The pool maintenance crew uses bleach regularly to keep the water clean and free from harmful bacteria.
Using bleach in high concentrations can damage fabrics and surfaces, so it's important to follow the recommended guidelines.
After the flood, the homeowners used bleach to sanitize the affected areas and prevent mold growth.
The janitor carefully diluted the bleach before applying it to the floors to ensure effective cleaning without causing discoloration.
For best results, combine bleach with warm water when treating white fabrics to achieve maximum whitening and disinfection.
The healthcare facility relies on bleach-based solutions to maintain a sterile environment and minimize the risk of infections.
During the pandemic, many people increased their use of bleach to disinfect frequently touched surfaces in their homes and workplaces.
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verb (transitive)
UK/bliːtʃ/US/bliːtʃ/
To whiten or remove color from something using a bleaching agent, or to disinfect using a bleach solution.
Example Sentences
She decided to bleach her white shirts to restore their brightness and remove any discoloration.
The homeowner plans to bleach the bathroom tiles to eliminate mold and mildew buildup.
To achieve a brighter appearance, he bleached the curtains before hanging them in the living room.
After the event, the organizers bleached all reusable decorations to ensure they were clean and ready for the next use.
Using too much bleach can weaken the fabric fibers, so it's important to use it sparingly when bleaching clothes.
The artist chose to bleach certain areas of the fabric to create a striking contrast in her textile artwork.
In order to maintain hygiene standards, the kitchen staff bleached all cutting boards and utensils after each use.
The landscaper bleached the concrete patio to give it a lighter, more modern look while also removing any stains.
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How to Use
A whitening agent or process that removes color and kills germs.“Bleach” works both as a noun and a verb. As a noun, it often refers to the chemical product—commonly sodium hypochlorite or a similar compound—used to whiten fabrics, remove stubborn stains, and disinfect surfaces. For example, you might find a household bleach product in the cleaning aisle of a grocery store, labeled for use in laundry or sanitizing countertops. When used correctly, this chemical can be very effective in removing color from fabrics (like whitening clothes or removing tough spots), as well as killing germs or mildew. As a verb, “to bleach” means to make something whiter or lighter in color. You can say, “I plan to bleach my shirts,” indicating you intend to restore their brightness by soaking them in a bleaching solution. Or, “The sun bleached the curtains,” which implies they lost their color after prolonged exposure to sunlight. You might also encounter bleach in hair salons, where hairstylists use bleaching agents to lighten hair by stripping it of its natural pigment. When using bleach in practical settings, exercise caution: always follow the label instructions, dilute the product properly, and ensure good ventilation to avoid inhaling fumes. Many people wear gloves to protect their skin from the harsh chemical. If you’re applying bleach on fabrics, be mindful of fabric type and colorfastness—some materials may discolor or weaken. Outside domestic settings, industries also rely on bleach for large-scale sanitation or water treatment, showing how versatile this substance can be. In casual speech, “bleach” might appear in phrases like, “That’s so stained—I’ll just bleach it,” or “My hair got bleached in the sun at the beach.” In writing, clarity regarding whether you mean the chemical solution or the act of whitening ensures you convey your meaning precisely and safely.
Alternatives
If you seek synonyms or alternatives for “bleach” in various contexts, consider 'whiten,' 'lighten,' or 'fade' when you want a gentler sense of color removal. 'Disinfect' or 'sanitize' highlight the germ-killing aspect that bleach provides, especially when discussing cleaning routines. Other more specialized chemicals like 'hydrogen peroxide' can serve a similar purpose for bleaching hair or sanitizing surfaces, albeit often in a milder form. In environmentally conscious contexts, products labeled 'non-chlorine bleach' or 'oxygen bleach' may be suitable, offering whitening power with less harshness or fewer fumes. If you’re focusing on large-scale sanitation, 'chlorine solution' might specify precisely which agent is in use. When referring to sun exposure that lightens fabric or hair, you can say 'the sun faded it' rather than 'bleached,' which implies a deliberate chemical process. Depending on whether you’re emphasizing stain removal, disinfection, or simply color lightening, these alternatives and near-synonyms can help you convey your intentions with nuance or avoid repeating the word 'bleach.'
Writing
When writing about 'bleach,' consider the intended audience and tone. In instructional pieces or guides, detail the proper ratio for dilution, the types of surfaces or fabrics on which bleach can be safely used, and any necessary safety measures—like wearing gloves and ensuring adequate ventilation. Provide examples to illustrate potential pitfalls (e.g., accidental spills, fabric damage, or bleach spots). In more creative or narrative forms—like a short story—bleach might symbolize transformation or even destruction, reflecting its potent, color-stripping qualities. For instance, a scene could hinge on how a bleach stain reveals a hidden detail on clothing, adding intrigue or conflict. Strive for clarity and precision, especially if mentioning chemical reactions: define what happens to pigments, bacterial cells, or viruses when bleach is applied. If your piece examines environmental impact, explore the effects of chlorine byproducts in water sources, or consider how eco-friendly alternatives might mitigate those risks. Even a few statistics on bleach use in households can enrich your text. Balancing scientific facts, cautionary advice, and real-life examples will guide readers in understanding the practical significance and proper handling of bleach. This approach ensures they grasp both the transformative power of the chemical—its ability to whiten, disinfect, and lighten—and the precautions needed to use it responsibly.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, people often bring up 'bleach' when discussing household chores: “I need to bleach the bathroom grout,” or “My white T-shirts are dingy—I’ll just bleach them.” If the talk involves hair styling, you might hear, “I decided to bleach my hair over the summer,” typically hinting at a dramatic look or a lighter shade for a new season. If an accidental spill occurs—like dripping bleach on dark jeans—a friend may exclaim, “Oh no, that bleach spot ruined them!” We also use 'bleach' more casually for comedic effect, saying, “I need to bleach my eyes,” when someone sees something disturbing or cringe-worthy, though that’s clearly hyperbole. When chatting with friends or family about cleaning routines, you might compare brands or discuss how effective bleach can be against stubborn stains and odors. Some people might mention the strong odor, prompting jokes about needing to 'air out' the house. If you’re teaching younger relatives about chores, you might warn them, “Don’t mix bleach with ammonia—it can create dangerous fumes.” While not everyone regularly uses bleach, most recognize its distinctive smell and powerful effects, making it a frequent topic in practical, everyday talk. It’s a straightforward, no-frills term that everyone understands, although opinions vary on whether it’s an essential staple or a harsh chemical that should be used sparingly.
Etymology
The word 'bleach' traces back to Old English 'blǣcan,' meaning 'to whiten,' which in turn derives from the Proto-Germanic root *blakjan. In earlier centuries, 'to bleach' typically referred to the process of exposing fabrics to sunlight or certain alkaline solutions to make them paler—an essential practice in textile production. Over time, technological advancements enabled the creation of chemically synthesized bleaching agents like chlorine compounds, drastically speeding up what was once a lengthy, sun-dependent method. Historically, bleaching cloth was an extensive procedure, with large bleaching fields or 'bleaching grounds' dedicated to laying out fabrics in the sun. By the 18th and 19th centuries, chemical bleaches began reshaping not just how people whitened clothing, but also how they disinfected homes. The industrial revolution and the rise of mass-produced cleaning products popularized chlorinated bleach, eventually making it a household staple. Today, bleach remains integral in various industries—from paper manufacturing to water purification—continuing its legacy as a powerful, transformative substance that can lighten, sanitize, and, in some cases, degrade or damage, reflecting the remarkable yet potentially hazardous nature of its chemical power.