It is not safe to put a towel that has been used to wipe up household bleach into a wash load with darker colors or other fabrics. Even if the towel has dried for days, residual bleach can still remain in the fabric and may re-activate when it comes into contact with water during the washing process. This can potentially damage the other fabrics in the wash load and cause discoloration or bleach spots on them.
Household bleach is a strong chemical that can react with dyes and fabrics, especially in the presence of water and heat (such as during the washing and drying cycle). To prevent any damage or color transfer to other clothes, follow these steps:
Isolate the bleach-soiled towel: Keep the towel separate from the rest of the laundry to avoid any cross-contamination.
Pre-soak the towel: Before washing the towel separately, pre-soak it in a solution of water and a mild detergent to help neutralize any remaining bleach.
Wash separately: Wash the bleach-soiled towel separately from the rest of the laundry. Use a regular detergent and avoid adding any other items to the load.
Check for stains: After washing, inspect the towel for any bleach stains or marks. If there are still visible stains, do not mix it with the regular laundry until it's entirely free of bleach marks.
Repeat if necessary: If stains persist after the first wash, you may need to repeat the pre-soaking and washing process until the towel is free of bleach residue.
By taking these precautions, you can avoid any potential damage to your other fabrics and ensure the safety of your laundry. Additionally, be careful when handling bleach in the future, and always follow the safety instructions on the product label.