Bisulfite/metabisulfite is very inexpensive. It is sold under the brand name Anti-Chlor, and you only need to use a small amount to neutralize bleach. You can usually find bisulfite at dye suppliers or you can get Camden Tablets (which have the same ingredient) from a wine brewing supply company. [1] X Research source Thiosulfate, which is called Bleach Stop, can typically be found at a local photography supply store, as it is commonly used in developing photographs. This is a more expensive option than bisulfite, and it’s not as strong so you’ll need to use more. [2] X Research source Vitamin C/Ascorbic acid: Ascorbic acid neutralizes both the hypochlorite and the lye. You will find it in most food stores or pharmacies under its common name, vitamin C. Yes, get the cheapest vitamin C you can find and grind the tablets up into powder to dissolve in your rinse water. Hydrogen peroxide is the most easily obtainable of the neutralizers; you can find it at drugstores and grocery stores. This is an inexpensive choice, and it works well for people with asthma, who may be sensitive to the other compounds, which contain sulfur. Opt for the 3% solution.
Anti-Chlor: use 1 teaspoon (4. 9 mL) per 4 cups (950 mL) of water. Bleach Stop: 1 ounce by weight (30 grams) per 1 gallon (3. 8 L) of water. Vitamin C/Ascorbic acid: Crush up 4-6 tablets and add the powder to enough water to submerge the fabric. Hydrogen peroxide: 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 10 parts water.
Fill your bucket or stationary tub with rinse water before you begin bleaching. This way, you can be sure to get the bleach off your fabric as soon as necessary so you don’t remove more than the desired amount of color.
Whatever neutralizing agent you use, the quantity needed depends upon the quantity of bleach remaining in the material that has been bleached, not the amount of water. Fabric should soak in the neutralizer for about 10 minutes.
If you’ve used alkali peroxide—which is popular for lightening the color of wood—you will want to neutralize with white vinegar. [4] X Research source This is an inexpensive neutralizer that you can find at your local grocery store. When bleaching with oxalic acid, which is good for removing stains such as iron, you want to use baking soda as a neutralizer. [5] X Research source Like white vinegar, baking soda is cheap and can be easily found at the grocery store. Chlorine bleach used on wood only needs to be rinsed several times with distilled water. [6] X Research source
This will be sufficient for neutralizing the effects of chlorine bleach.
