Learn how to bleach drop cloth to make it perfectly soft and white for DIY projects.
Learn how to bleach drop cloth to make it perfectly soft and white.
UPDATE MUST READ: I have heard from several readers that the brand of drop cloth you buy makes all the difference. I did not know this, since I have only ever used this brand from Amazon. Other brands turns gray and off white.
UPDATE PART TWO: Thanks to Lori, a lovely reader of my blog, I now know why some other brands won’t turn white. The drop cloths I recommend from Amazon are 100% cotton, so bleachable. Some brands are made with 50% polyester, so unbleachable. I knew people were having trouble with other brands, but now I actually know why!
UPDATE PART THREE: It was brought to my attention by a reader that you should not use this large amount of bleach if you have a septic system.
Why I love drop cloth
You don’t have to hang around the Pinterest DIY scene for very long to find out that drop cloth is a star player in the upholstery, slipcover, curtain and pillow making game.
I have used a lot of drop cloth in our farmhouse and for good reason. It is durable, high quality and, best of all, super cheap.
I did the math once and it works out to about $2.50 a yard. Can’t beat it.
But how does drop cloth go from the rough and coarse tan fabric you find in the paint section at Lowe’s to the soft white beauty you see gracing wing back chairs and farmhouse pillows?
It’s quite simple really.
It all comes down to a whole lot of bleach and little bit of technique.
When you know hot bleach drop cloth, the possibilities are endless.
Video Tips and Tutorial
I start with this drop cloth from amazon. It is the 6-7 oz weight in 9′ by 11′ size.
I buy it in bulk, because I use it (unbleached) for the backs on my farmhouse pillows.
It comes out of the package feeling pretty coarse and looking very tan.
I need it to be bright white, so I can bleach all the slipcovers, when my messy bunch of kiddos put their dirty feet all over the couch. ahem.
The Process
When it comes to bleaching drop cloths there are two methods.
Method 1: Washer method
So, the first thing I do is cut the 9′ by 12′ piece right down the center where the seam is.
I wouldn’t be able to use the middle part where the seam is anyway, and if I shoved the whole thing in the washer, it would be overcrowded.
An overcrowded washer leaves the drop cloth splotchy, which is no bueno.
I put one half of the drop cloth piece into the washer, put it on hot, and set it on the largest size load setting.
I let the washer fill completely before adding any bleach.
Once the washer is full, I add a whoooooole lot of bleach, like about a third of the bottle.
At this point I open all the windows of the house and even the back door all the way. I don’t like to fill my house with all those bleach fumes.
I let it agitate a bit to stir all the bleach around. Then, I pull the knob out and let it sit to soak for several hours.
I go over to the washer every few hours and let it agitate for a minute or so, and then let it sit some more.
The main keys here are:
1. Don’t overfill the washer.
2. Use plenty of bleach
3. Agitate periodically to get the bleach into all the creases, so it doesn’t come out splotchy.
4. Don’t rush it. This should take several hours.
5. Although time is good, I have noticed things going a bit yellowy if I let it sit too long. I think 6-8 hours is a good rule of thumb.
After I have done all this, I pull the knob out and let it finish the cycle.
I throw the drop cloth into the dryer to make sure it is pre-shrunk and super soft.
No top loader?
Now, some of you have probably given up your white drop cloth dreams because you don’t have a top load washing machine.
Not so fast, my friends.
Read on, for there is still hope for you!
I too used to have a front loading washer and a deep desire for white drop cloths.
Method 2: The bathtub method
You basically follow the exact same method as above, with a few differences.
1. Instead of agitating the washer periodically, get yourself a big stick, or something to stir with. You still need to make sure every nook and cranny of that drop cloth has access to the bleach.
2. When you feel your drop cloth is white enough, drain the tub and squeeze out any excess water. Bring it over to your washer and run it through an entire wash cycle on hot.
If you take it out and notice there are splotches, just repeat the process.
Sometimes it takes a few tries to get all the splotches out and get it perfectly white, but enough bleach and time will do the trick every time!
Disclaimer
Double check that the finish on your tub is safe to interact with bleach. If your tub isn’t bleach safe, try to acquire a stainless steal tub, or find a friend who has a top loader you can use.
Woohoo! Now you are ready to make slipcovers for just about anything in your house.
Our couches are super ugly! They are green, ripped and old. They cost $80 for the pair. True story. But can you tell?
I wrote about my drop cloth bench makeover in this post. I found it for $20 on a buy, sell, trade site.
So, at this point, we are talking $100 for all the furniture in our living room.
Oh the glory of humble painter’s drop cloth!
I made the pillow insert for the IKEA tea towel pillows with bleached drop cloth.
This stuff is seriously so versatile!
So, if you want to redecorate your home on the cheap, get your hands on some drop cloth and a couple bottles of bleach!
Pin it for later:
Post contains affiliate links. See my full disclosure here.
How to Bleach Drop Cloth
Learn how to bleach drop cloth to make it perfectly soft and white. Bleaching drop cloth is an inexpensive way to make slipcovers for couches and wingback chairs. At about $2 per yard, bleached drop cloth is also the perfect home decor weight fabric for diy curtains.
Materials
- 9' by 12' foot canvas drop cloth
- 1/2 gallon bleach
Instructions
1. Cut the 9′ by 12′ piece right down the center where the seam is.
2. Put one half of the drop cloth piece into the washer, put it on hot, and set it on the largest size load setting.
Let the washer fill completely before adding any bleach.
3. Once the washer is full, add about a third of the bottle.
4. Let it agitate a bit to stir all the bleach around.
5. Pull the knob out and let it sit to soak for several hours.
6. Go over to the washer every few hours and let it agitate for a minute or so, and then let it sit some more.
7. Finish the cycle.
8. Throw the drop cloth into the dryer to make sure it is pre-shrunk and super soft.
Notes
1. Don’t overfill the washer.
2. Use plenty of bleach
3. Agitate periodically to get the bleach into all the creases, so it doesn’t come out splotchy.
4. Don’t rush it. This should take several hours.
5. Although time is good, I have noticed things going a bit yellowy if I let it sit too long. I think 6-8 hours is a good rule of thumb.
Jeffrey says
Canvas has been one if my favorite fabrics for years. I use it for outdoor table clothes. If something spills throw them in the wash.
Lisa Bass says
Yes! Agreed!!
Sharon Warren says
Love love love this tip! I have some drop cloth curtains I made several years ago, and decided to take them down and use them for actual dropcloths as we are painting our way through our entire house. Now I’m excited to give this a try even though some of them have paint spots, because surely I can salvage most of the cloth for pillows, small upholstery jobs, runners etc. Thanks so much for posting such clear directions. I would have never thought of using that much bleach, but hey, it’s a drop cloth, right? Nothing ventured, nothing gained! In the meantime my washer will get a good cleaning.
Sharon Warren
Lisa Bass says
Ooh yes I would say you could salvage it to make some amazing goodies! I love drop cloth 🙂
Ada Friend says
If you have not dried the cloth with the paint use hand sanitizer to remove it with a old tooth brush just rub it in and wash
Katie Casciato says
Thanks for sharing this wonderful post, Lisa! I had been wondering where you got the slipcovers for your couches, since I’m planning to make a few myself! 🙂 Everything you do is gorgeous!
Lisa Bass says
Thank you so much!!!
Lorraine says
Thank you Lisa. I’m new here and enjoying every minute of it.
Lisa Bass says
Thank you so much! I hope you stop by often!
Lisa Bass says
That is so awesome! I am so glad it worked out that way. I would be a little worried that, since it is already sewn together, the bleach wouldn’t be able to get into all the seams, and it may turn out splotchy. It may work out, but it’s a bit risky.
Clare says
Would love to know if this works!! I have the same slipcover for an armchair and was thinking of doing the exact same thing. Debbie – please let me know if this works for you!!
Mimi says
Thanks so much for the info, especially the bathtub trick! I have wanted to try bleaching a drop cloth, but I have a front loading washer. I had thought about using a heavy duty container outside but I wasn’t sure how long to soak the cloth for. I’ll have to try this. Thank you!
Loretta says
I just bought these exact dropclothes, but i was wondering, since they have brown stitching at seams, do those bleach white too?
Lisa Bass says
No, the brown unfortunately doesn’t bleach white.
BONNIE says
I just bought through the Amazon link. Im in Canada. I bought tge same size you suggest and mine did not have z seam down the middle and the sides had nice off white stitching! (June 2021). Unfortunately my bathtub bleaching was splotchey. You Really have to get it in there! I’m not discouraged. Ill try again. Im making curtains. I sewed the hems where I cut down the middle and they bleached fine. Thank you for sharing!
Mich says
I tried this, and mine came out off white which bummed me out. Still better than what my couch was but not the bright white I was hoping for. Any advice?
Lisa Bass says
Aww I am so sorry to hear that! How big is your washer? Was there plenty of room for the bleach to move around with the fabric? Also, did you cut the fabric in half. How long did you let it soak and did you repeat? It can definitely come out off white at first, but it will eventually turn if it is given enough time and bleach. At least in my experience!
Amber says
They probably didn’t come out white because they have polyester in them. The Everbuilt ones at Home Depot use to be 100% cotton but not anymore. Amazon sells several different brands of 100% cotton drop cloths.
Ashley says
Sadly this did not work for me at all. After soaking for at least 7 hours, maybe 8, the color did not change one bit. Maybe I did not use enough bleach, but not one bit? I don’t think it would have mattered if I had used more. But worse, when I took it out of the dryer, it was weirdly puckered in random areas and just generally dingy and gross looking. Super disappointed 🙁
Lisa Bass says
I am so sorry this didn’t work out for you! With enough bleach and time it will eventually turn. It just takes way more of both than you would think. Try using half a gallon of bleach. I know it sounds crazy, but that is really how much you need. The drop cloth really has to be coaxed along to change color. 🙂 You can still keep trying with the same piece of fabric, even after you have dried it. Again, so sorry it didn’t work out for you!
Tamara says
Are your drop cloths 100% cotton , others don’t think bleach as well .
Lisa says
I am not sure, but the ones I linked definitely bleach nicely. 🙂 . They are all I have ever used!
Misty says
I purchased the dropcloth form the link you have. Mine did not have any seam so I just cut in half. Sorry to say that many hours and half a gallon of bleach later …. nothing changed. HELP!
Kathryn says
I had the same experience. I am now on my fourth attempt at bleaching the same cloth. It is still a creamy white.
jamie says
Is it hard to sew with the thickness of the cloth?
farmhouse_lisab says
No, not at all. It is actually a perfect thickness for sewing. Some fabrics are too thin, and slippery. Not so much with drop cloth. 🙂
Laura says
Love what you did with your dropcloths.. You can come to my house, have a class and we’ll slipcover anything that moves!
Plus, you know we will eat-a lot to keep our strengths h up!
I really need to get a handle on how to do this and I am sure your guidance will be a big help.Thank you for your time.
Blessings to you and your family,
Laura
farmhouse_lisab says
Good food?! I’m there! 😉
Linda says
Hi, Lisa!
I love your end results, just lovely! I really hate to be a party pooper, but environmental is that I am, I feel compelled to point out that bleach is one of the most environmentaly harmful chemicals we can possibly add to our water systems!!!! It kills everything from plants, fish, crustations, good bacteria, etc. and changes forever the biological and chemical balance of the aquatic environment it enters. It never breaks down, so from the moment it enters the sewage system, it spreads it’s poison through every stream, gully, pond, wetland and river until it finds its way to the sea, killing everything in it’s path. Really, I’m not trying to lay a big guilt trip here, but that’s a lot of harmful chemical you’re dumping on a regular basis and instructing others to do the same.
There’s got to be an alternative method here. I’m going to do a little research here and see what I come up with. If I find a good possibility, I’ll be sure to share it, so you can share, too! With creative people like us, where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Cheers!
Linda.
Lisa says
You know, honestly..I hate bleach, but as far as making tan fabric turn white, there is just so substitute. It is the only reason I ever use bleach in my home..EVER. And everything else I do is very environmentally friendly. I wish there was an alternative that would turn fabric white, but I don’t think thats the case. 🙁
Mary Powell says
HI! I know it sucks…but the alternative is to not decorate with things that cause harm to our planet. Truly, it’s the only way. I love this idea so much, but I can make different choices to decorate and come close to the same aesthetic. Certainly, I wouldn’t encourage an entire group of folks to put so much bleach into our water systems. I may love the look…and the price, but it’s not the best choice if you care about your footprint. It sounds like you do this more often than most, so I guess that’s why I feel like posting a message highlighting the damage to our enviorment sort of balances the idea that pouring copious anounts of bleach into out water systems is ok as long as we are responsible otherwise. Just my thoughts.
Lisa says
I mean I could go buy white canvas at the store, but didn’t someone somewhere bleach it?
Laura says
CHLORINE is what they use to make our water safe to drink. Honestly? Virtue signaling over nothing… please think before you pontificate. You should care more about the women on so many hormones, birth control pills and tranquilizers (XANAX, etc…) urinating into that *same water system* that is in turn pumped back to us as “safe” drinking water. Now THAT is pollution in your drinking water! You want to virtue signal? Do your homework. Chlorine? Notsomuch. 😉 (But I still use a BIG BERKEY to filter ALL that stuff!)
Additionally, chlorine may not be what you want to use if you have a SEPTIC TANK because it will kill your flora. But even then, throw some yeast packets in there for last flush before a holiday or at night for few days of low flushing…you’re good again in no time.
Ann says
I have to say that I agree with the above writers that encouraging a lot of people to use that much chlorine bleach is perhaps not the best thing for our environment. I do love the look, but when I read the method do it, I had to decide that it was not worth the environmental impact. You say that you are environmental in so many other ways. I think a focus on Environmental ways of managing and decorating a house would be far more beneficial and appreciated.
Chantal says
First, Lisa, your stuff is gorgeous. However, I agree with Mary. Laura, you are comparing people on necessary meds to harsh chemicals for the sake of esthetics. We should be concerned about both, frankly. Just because one thing is worse, it doesn’t make the other okay. If you commit a crime you don’t get away with it just because someone did something wouthat day.
Cheryl says
Chlorine evaporates into the air. Water treatment plants use much more than,that amount of bleach. We allow our water to sit over night to allow all of the chlorine to evaporate to make it safe to drink as chlorine is a metal. If you are going to harp about this small amount of bleach, then go after all of the swimming pool owners, find a better way to treat potable water…
Marcus says
If people are really worried about the bleach in the water supply, there is a simple and cheap way to neutralize it before you let it go down the drain. You can get a lifetime supply on amazon for $5-10. An entire bathtub or washer full costs under 10 cents. So… no need to virtue signal for all the Karen’s
you need only one teaspoon, or 2.2 grams, of Anti-chlor (sodium metabisulfite) per 2.5 gallons of water, or less than half a teaspoon per gallon of water. That works out to 18 grams per twenty-gallon washing machine load, if you like to use it there. Cost per gallon of bleach neutralizing bath, three-quarters of 1¢. Very, very inexpensive. Cheap enough even to use in the washer, if you’re lazy about carrying buckets around, or if you want to use it as a regular laundry additive to reduce unwanted bleaching from chloramine in your water supply.
Deborah says
Thank you, Marcus. A truly useful tip.
Lisa says
I want to yes the whole drop cloth can I wash it first add the wet cloth to a 10 gallon bucket than did hot water and the beach
Jayme says
Where did you get the comforter in this photo I love it looks so soft and welcoming.
Lisa says
Thank you! That is the linen duvet from IKEA. 🙂
Tracy says
Thanks for the tip! You use a regular bleach, correct, not a non-chlorine bleach? I don’t use bleach and don’t really know the difference between the two.
Lisa says
Yes, just regular! 🙂
U says
Hi
I just did what you said and the wash cloth didn’t change the color a bit 🙁
I used warm water. Do you think that might be the issue? Will try tomorrow again with hot water if that is the case. Also how much bleach should I use?
I poured around half the bottle for 1/2 of the drop cloth previously.
Thanks,
U
Lisa says
Did you use the drop cloth I linked? I have heard from several people that it makes all the difference.
Jeanie says
Do you still use the Chicago canvas drop cloths? I tried the bleaching method with another brand and they came out more grayish so I am wondering if it’s the type of drop cloth that can also make a difference in the bleaching process?
Lisa says
Yes, that’s totally a thing I keep hearing! The one I linked is the one I always use, and it definitely turns white. I learn so much from you guys and your comments!
Tracy says
Hello! Is the Amazon link to the drop cloth the exact one you bleached? I have bleached one drop cloth and it turned out great! Now I’ve tried twice to bleach one I purchased at Menards and it will not turn (and I’ve used a lot of bleach). Thank you!
Lisa says
I have heard this more than once now! I should totally add to my post the disclaimer that only the drop cloth I use will do it! Yes, the one linked is the exact one I use all the time and I know for a fact it turns white.
Mary says
The drop cloths in the link have seams through the middle. Do you have a source for seamless drop cloths?
Teresa says
I am going to need three drop cloths to make sofa slipcover. Any tips on how to achieve the same color on all three? I am assuming need to bleach each individually in washer. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Lisa says
I have bleached them at many different times, and they all turn out looking the same. 🙂
Sara says
Is there a particular brand that turns gray? I would like to work with gray for some of my slipcovers.
Or do you have advice on dying drop cloth fabric?
Lisa says
For that I would bleach it and then use Rit Dye to turn it gray. I did that with some pillow covers in my living room a few years ago. The only tricky part will be getting it to turn the exact shade you want. When I did it, I ended up with some very dark gray pillows. If you want light gray, maybe try using a quarter of the bottle and then working your way up, since it would be easier to make it more gray than less. But, my advise it to bleach it white first.
ReileeAve says
Hi there!
I tried both the bath tub method and washer method on either half of my drop cloth, tending to them for a few hours, about 5. But neither had lightened at all. So I added more bleach and let them set over night, using 2 whole bottles of bleach. I also added some fabric softener five hours later when they still hadn’t lightened any (Because at that point I figured why not). Left them over night and still no change, totaling 15 hours.
I think it has to do with the brand I used. 9’x12′ 8oz from the local Menards, I live in a rather rural area and didn’t want to wait for the post. Do you have any tips for stubborn drop clothes that just won’t bleach out?
Lisa says
It is the brand! I have heard this from several people over and over now. The brand really matters. Others don’t turn, and some even turn gray. I have only ever used the Amazon brand I linked.
ReileeAve says
Sorry! Hadn’t read all the comments. I actually did manage to bully it into white, not quite as white as yours, but it had only looked darker because it was still wet.
Ellen says
So I had just discovered this same thing too! I had tried bleaching drop cloths (and actually wrote a post about the semi-fail that it was, haha) and while they got nice and soft, they definitely didn’t change color for me. When I bought another cloth for a different project I realized the tag said 50% polyester. Oooooh…suddenly things started to make sense! I knew polyester doesn’t take dye, so I realized it probably wouldn’t bleach either. I just bought one of the drop cloths that you have linked too (100% cotton, woot!) so I’m going to try that and see how it goes! Then I’ll have to update my old blog post with the results! Thanks Lisa for sharing all your wonderful projects and tips with us =)
Lisa says
Very helpful info, indeed! I had no idea that was an issue until someone brought it to my attention, because I had only ever used that brand. I wondered how people were having so much trouble, because it always worked great for me. You should have much better luck this time around!
Mari says
I’m ready to make slipcovers for hand-me-down white sofa and love seat. Long story short, when Hubs and I went to pick it up it was no longer white but it was loaded up for us anyway. 🙁 The furniture itself is good but gross and I’m ready to make slipcovers for them. I love the slipcovers you have on your sofa and loveseat. Do you have a tutorial or steps for them? I have a general idea from watching your chair slipcover and others on the internet. Do you have two rows of ties on the back? Anything would help.
Love your website.
Mari
Lisa says
I don’t have a tutorial specifically for the couches, but maybe I should make one. 🙂 I use the same process as I do with the wingback chair!
Mari says
Thank you so much for your reply. I’ll thoroughly look at the wingback chair tutorial.
I apologize for the timing of my message. It wasn’t until later that I read your post on the birth of your son. What a joy!
Lisa says
Oh no worries Mari! I sat in bed for an entire week with him, so I had a lot of time to respond to comments. 🙂
Tanya says
Hi, love your slipcovers! Just a thought…have you tried this using cold water? When I was using cloth diapers, I always heard hot water makes bleach less effective. That said, I doubt the canvas would get as soft with cold water as it does with hot.
Lisa says
Hey Tanya! Thank you! I haven’t tried cold water. From my understanding the hot water is crucial to the whitening process.
Laurie says
Hi,
I love your blog. I’m making a slipcover for my loveseat, and have bleached the same drop cloth you have twice and it is still a cream color. is yours as perfectly white as it appears in the images or is it a little off white. My next step is to try to add some bluing ad see what happens.
Lisa says
It is pretty much totally white. It takes a lot of time and A LOT of bleach. 🙂
Laurie says
I thought I had the time and bleach covered. I used over half a bottle of bleach for each cloth. I tried different timing/amounts for each of four portions of drop cloth. each one twice. Cloth 1, over 8 hours the first time, 12+
(overnight) the second time on the same cloth, still off white(but lighter than the original). Cloth 2, 4 hours 1st time (thought maybe it was too much time before and was just experimenting), nope, again I did it over night not much lighter. each time using at lease a 1/2 gallon of bleach. I can’t fill my washer with the lid open, so I put the cloth in and start the cycle, when the water is above the cloth, I add bleach diluted in a big pail. Agitate once in a while. and finish the cycle after the time, I’ve tried adding bluing, which may have helped a little. I’m not giving up. lol. Challenge accepted! I’m going to cut smaller squares and experiment to see if i can get at least one of them to turn white and maybe find your secret. I’m over a week invested at this point, and if i can perfect it, I will make many more projects. Now off to the bleach lab….
Laurie says
Ok, I’m giving up! Now I just read that large amounts of bleach can throw your septic tank out of balance, So I’ll need to buy a treatment to add bacteria in to replace all the stuff that was killed by the bleach. Hope it doesn’t cause it to stop working completely, as that is thousands of dollars. Ugh! I think i’ll just go buy some white duck cloth or something so I can get what I want without ruining anything (hopefully it’s not too late)
Lisa says
Oh Laurie I’m so sorry! I didn’t know the thing about the septic tank. 🙁 I will add that as a warning in the post. I honestly have no idea why this didn’t work out for you. I feel like you followed all the right steps. 🙁
Laurie says
Hi Lisa, of course I don’t blame you for any of it, so no need to be sorry. Just wanted to make others aware if they have septic system too. I bought some stuff to put down the drain to get some of that good bacteria down in there. I might try again at a laundry mat some day. In the mean time I just got home with 10 yards of 100% cotton white duck cloth at a great deal of $35. So I am happy, can do what I want and find other projects door the drop cloth. Your explanation is great so if I messed up it’s not your fault. Keep doing what your doing. You’re great at it.
Misty says
Would love to know where you got the cotton duck at such a great price since my dropcloth is refusing to lighten AT ALL!
Laurie says
Hi Misty,
I got it at Joann fabrics. I got a whole bolt, so I got the end of bolt discount and also had a 60% off coupon from signing up on their app.
Lisa says
Aww you’re sweet Laurie! 🙂 🙂 I am sooo glad you found such a great price for white canvas. Now you are all set to do some slipcovering! BTW I am glad you brought that to my attention. I added it to the top of the post in the updates.
Gayle says
Hi, I don’t think you need to apologise. People should know the cans and can’ts of what is on their own property or septic tanks, washing machines, plastic or metal bath tubs etc. Just the same as it’s their own responsibility to check what fabric their drop cloth is. I honestly can’t believe how some people blame others for their own stupidity.
Bronni says
Love your slipcovers! I have also used dropcloths with great success. The dropcloths you recommend from Amazon, how much ironing do they require? How much do they shrink after pre-washing?
Thanks!
Lisa says
They don’t shrink a ton. Also, I have never once ironed mine. 🙂
Gr8wyfe says
Hi Lisa,
First of all, I love your blog. I am a Grammy that is obsessed with making a slipcover for my sofa.
I have bleached each of the dropcloths in hot water with a full gallon of bleach. I think this was a bit more than needed as the fabric is fragile now. UGH!
Samantha
Lisa says
Oh no! This whole bleaching thing can be tricky!
GRE8WFYE says
Hi Lisa,
Well, just finished the Camelback Sofa for my 90 year mom. Looks great.
Definitely want to sew each seam one at a time. Now on to do my 2 8′ sofa’s.
Thank goodness there are really no curves.
Thanks for all of your amazing nuggets of wisdon.
Samantha
Christina says
I just had the most fabulous mishap.
I read through your instructions, purchased the same exact drop cloths that you use. Decided I have a front loading washer and I’d play with it to see what would happen.
My curtain panels were perfectly white within TWO hours.
I am not sure which part of what I did worked.
I took the detergent cup out and poured 1/4 bottle of bleach into the washer via the main wash compartment (sans detergent cup). Let the washer start running for about 5 minutes on the sanitize cycle. Paused it, opened door and examined what I had in there. Probably shouldn’t have – it was VERY bleachy. First time in my life I found myself wishing I had an at home eye-wash station.
I wound up adding probably a gallon of hot water straight to the tub and the panels soaked in there for a few minutes (literally less than ten minutes) before I restarted the sanitize cycle. Let it run for a while, then stopped it and RESTARTED it after adding detergent and fabric softener as well as some vinegar.
Somehow the darn things came out totally and completely white. I still don’t know how. But thanks for this tutorial/information, it did help – and maybe my info can help someone else.
Mari says
Christina, I just tried your “fabulous mishap” this past weekend and it worked for me. The dropcloths I used are not the ones as Lisa’s. They are 10 oz canvas and after bleaching they are a creamy color, which is fine with me. I like the new texture too. Hopefully I’ll start the slipcovers later this week.
Linda Francis says
Thank you for sharing! I will try this. I am wanting to slip cover the sofa at our lake cabin and this will be much easier than the bathtub.
Nikki says
Has anyone found the 100% cotton at Lowe’s or home depot? I don’t want to have to order it.
Lisa says
I haven’t.
Marisa Tolsma says
I should have read this before I tried it! I just went off the YouTube video. I bought Everbilt drop cloth from Home Depot, not realizing it wasn’t 100% cotton. (It actually doesn’t say anywhere on the label what it is made of.) So now I have two big 9×12 pieces that I used two gallons of bleach on, and they’re still not white. I may still use them for slipcovers, I don’t know. But maybe I’ll save up and give it another go with your brand of drop cloth 🙂
Lisa says
Oh, I am so sorry Marisa. I wish I would have said it in the video, but I didn’t know how important that was until after I shot the video. I figured it out after several complaints of cloths not turning white. Then I finally realized why! What color did it turn? Are they a nice off-white? Or maybe you could dye them gray and use them for some curtains or basket liners?
Rebbecca says
So I purchased the exact drop cloths you recommended and they are not bleaching white at all. I’m not even sure they are getting any lighter. I have a front loader so I have left them for 2 days now in a large plastic tub and still they look the same color. Any suggestions would be helpful. I really love the look of the bleached drop cloths.
Lisa says
You will need to use a top loader a bathtub or something that you can soak them in for a really long time, several hours.
Misty says
I have a top loader. I followed your directions to a T, purchasing the same dropcloths by following your Amazon link and mine are nowhere near white. I even repeated the process more than once.
Do you know if the salt in softened water would make the process not work?
Barbara says
Can you clarify if doing a follow up cycle with vinegar is needed to stop the activity of the bleach, please.
Thank you,
Barbara
Lisa says
I have never done that, but it might be a good idea.
Shantle Shipp says
Was reading through post and I noticed no one mentioned the brand of bleach they use. As crazy as it sounds all bleaches probably are not the same. By no means am I a bleach expert but I know from my own experience that if I used a cheaper bleach aka a generic brand to save a buck, my clothes did not come out as clean as when I used a leading brand like Clorox. Some are more concentrated than others. Lisa what brand did you use? Maybe this will help a bit. Just a thought 😉
Barbara says
I’m feeling sad and disappointed. I clicked on the link to the amazon drop cloths that are suggested on this site. I followed the directions precisely. I’m now on the second round with the same drop cloth, and it lightened up, but it is off white and still course to the touch. What am I doing wrong?
Kristal says
This is happening to me too. I used the brand she suggested, cut it in half, used 8 cups of bleach for 6 hours, finished the wash and then used 8 more cups for an additional 8 hours. It’s still not bright white! 😭
Tabatha says
So I have a question if you decide to use a bath tub or a steel tub how do you keep the water hot do you just keep adding hot water and bleach? Do you cover it and approximately how many hours should I check it and or leave it in the steel tubs or how often should I agitate the fabric
Lisa says
When I did it in the bathtub I just kept adding pots boiling water.
Kay says
How are you able to use so much bleach without damaging your septic system? I would love to try this but I am afraid of the damage I might do.
McKenzie says
Hi all,
After A LOT of research and consulting a few different bloggers, I decided to do this project myself. I learned a lot while doing it and decided afterwards to post my findings here in order to help others not make the same mistakes I did! My apologies for this post being so long 🙂
-I purchased the same Chicago Canvas 9’x12′ drop cloth listed above. I got mine on Amazon, where they offer different sizes and what not.
-I used Family Dollar brand bleach, and used one small bottle (8 qts) per one half of the 9’x12′ canvas (aka a 6’x9′ size curtain panel).
– Speaking of dimensions, the seam runs down the 12′ side, splitting it into 2 halves of 6’x9′ panels- which was the perfect dimension for the floor to ceiling windows I planned to put these curtains on.
– I bought a set of 36 drapery rings on Amazon and had no issues. Very easy to clip, but also sturdy to hold up the fabric.
DO’S 🙂
DO- Fill your washer with hot water AND bleach before adding the canvas.
**The first panel I did, I followed the instructions above and added the canvas, then filled with water, then added bleach and agitated and swished the fabric around as much as I could. This DID NOT WORK. I was left with uneven bleach distribution which caused blotches all over. So I did this panel a whole second time and finally got the spots out. The first time, I left in for 5 hours, the second time was probably about the same.
DO- use as much bleach as you find necessary! I used 8qts per panel/washer full. It was enough, but still had to sit a long time to be effective.
DO- add your panel as loosely to the washer as possible!
* I bunched mine up, sort of accordion style, and added it a little bit at a time, using a stick/ broom handle to push it all the way to the bottom of the washer basin and got as many bubbles out as I could so it would all stay submerged. The I agitated it to make sure it stayed down.
DO- wash the curtains at least once afterwards. Getting the bleach fully out is crucial to the fabric’s integrity in the years to come.
DONTS!! 🙁
DONT- be worried about the amount of bleach. You can use scented bleach if you prefer too! It does get smelly.
DONT- dry your freshly bleached and washed panels in the dryer on high heat.
***** BIG MISTAKE ALERT!! ***** I did this in an effort to dry them faster because I was getting impatient. I did this for all 4 of the panels I bleached. I regret this SO much because THEY SHRUNK AN ENTIRE FOOT AND A HALF. Yes… a foot, and a half. I’ve never had that happen to any fabric, piece of clothing, blanket, sheet, you name it. I was beside myself… I figured it would shrink about 6 inches or so since I was drying them. But no blog I consulted or place I researched mentioned this. This completely ruined my entire project. I imagined having floor to ceiling curtains, hanging by the drapery rings, on my 9 foot ceilings and huge windows. Nope 🙁 When I went to hang them I realized something was wrong so I measured. They measured 7’5″ after drying </3 That being said, DO NOT DRY THEM ON HIGH HEAT. If you can't take the time and effort ( I couldn't) to hang dry and iron them, then low heat or air fluff in the dryer with removing them promptly may work better.
MAYBES :/
MAYBE- Wash the panels before bleaching them. All fabric has chemicals on them still when they are fresh from the store/factory. Although they are cotton canvases, I found them to be a bit water-resistant until submerged for a while- which leads to me think about the chemical on them. Washing them may help the blotchiness that many of us are experiencing.
Phew! that was a lot of commentary. I hope this helps someone 🙂
Happy DIY-ing! McKenzie
Ariel says
So I’m wondering if your couch slip cover is one piece or did you do the cushions separate like on the wingback chairs?
Lisa says
I have one large envelope for the seat cushions, two separate covers for the back cushions, and then a large piece fr the rest of the couch.
Elaine Nichols says
Hi!
Just found your website and read through all the comments and advice. Thanks!
I am wondering if you have ordered and received any new stock from this source and if it is as good a quality and the same 100% cotton fabric that you have received in the past.
I will be bleaching these dropcloths and a 9×12 cut down the middle should be a good fit for a 72×36 and a 72×48 window for each window. Thanks for any update you and your readers can give me on current stock.
Elaine
Danielle says
Hey Lisa! So I tried this out and it worked great! I made a custom slipcover for my mom’s craigslist sofa and we couldn’t be more pleased. However when we ordered more to make curtains, we got a different product. I think they changed their product and I’m so disappointed. We ordered it on December 28, 2018. The end result was similar to the first few we did for the sofa, but not the same. I bleached 2 drop cloths in 4 batches since I cut them in half. Each one came out the same way and I used the same methods I used before to make the slipcover. I don’t know what they did to change the fabric, but it has changed. I just wanted to inform everyone! It doesn’t come out as quite as white as the original did.
Professional Cleaners Sydney says
Wow.,truly jaw dropping! The results were perfectly soft and white. Thanks.
Tiffany says
I just want to add I used this method with Clorox and the same dropcloths. Our water heater is set to a relatively low temp so I boiled water and added it until it was steaming. Then I slowly showered the bleach into my giant totes and covered them. They bleached BRIGHT white within a few hours. I also did it with a few other 100% cotton items I had to the same effect. I used about a half a gallon of bleach for each load and covered two sofas with the fabric. It’s the real deal! The hotter the water the faster they bleach. I am trying it now just to lighten some 100% cotton slipcovers I have (don’t want full on white, maybe a warm white?) we will see how it goes!!
Jen says
I love the curtains in this post!!! Just a word of warning, though. I bought the drop cloths from Amazon which are linked in this post. I suspect, however, that at least the ones I received are not 100% cotton. The description from Amazon says they are 100% cotton. BUT I used 1/2 gallon of bleach and soaked and agitated one cloth in my washing machine for about 2 hours but they did not lighten at all. I then looked at the packaging I received and it does not specify what the cloth is made of. I don’t know if perhaps the seller accidentally shipped me the wrong item (though the packaging looks like the picture on Amazon), OR if these are no longer made with 100% cotton? Perhaps I should have soaked them longer, but it seems I would have made some progress after that much bleach and time – especially since one commenter here said she got great results in 2 hours – with 1/4 gallon of bleach if I recall correctly. In any event, I love the look of the curtains in this post and plan to shop the fabric store for something that will give a similar look.
Amy Gadapee says
Just an FYI I have ordered several of the drop clothes link here, 10 to be precise, some had a seam and had double stitched hems with white thread, the others were one solid piece of fabric with a single stitched hem in brown thread. The results have been varied between the two versions but they are only intended to be drop clothes so the materials aren’t necessarily consistent. The company does sell 100% cotton duck at very reasonable prices and you would be getting all of the same material in a continuous cut. You can request samples from them free of charge!
Katie says
Has anyone tried bleaching a PB comfort slipcover?? We bought a great sectional on Craigslist and the covers are a bit more yellow than we’d like. So I’d love insight!
Lisa says
I’ve had PB comfort sectionals for years — one has a white cotton twill slipcover and the other has warm white denim. I’ve bleached them both – no issues at all. They come very clean and stay soft. I never, ever dry them — put them back on damp; they dry quickly. Good luck!
Francis says
Thanks for these wonderful tips. I would like to share this on my social media accounts. I learn so much from you guys and your comments! 🙂
Tanya Schroeder says
This is an amazing post! I didn’t know I need a drop cloth but now I think I do!
Ashley says
I’m loving all of these tips!
Julie Blanner says
This is perfect! With three girls, things are bound to not stay as white and clean as they once were. I definitely think a drop cloth is in our future.
wilhelmina says
Wow! This is such a fabulous tip!
Adrienne says
Has there ever been an issue after soaking it, then putting it in the washer the material is shredded? I liked the color I got it. Washed it took it out of the washer and noticed its ripped to the point of no repair..
Lisa says
Oh no! That has never happened to me, but what a bummer!
Debra says
What kind of top loader do you have? Most of the new ones do not hold water to soak for the required amount of time?
Katelyn Kauffman says
Hi, does anyone have a problem with their dropcloth getting little balls after they bleached their cloth? I think it’s called pelling! Do I need to get
a new cloth?
Nancy says
Yes! I got the drop cloth from Harbor Freight and it also pelled. So disappointing! Not sure if it’s the brand? I was so excited to do the curtains.
Aimee says
What brand of bleach do you use? I think that is the difference in getting it to work.
Sladen says
Would these still have light-blocking characteristics? I want to hang these on my back porch to help with blocking sunlight.
Kristal says
What am I missing? I used the brand suggested, cut it in half, used 8 cups of bleach for 6 hours, finished the wash and then used 8 more cups for an additional 8 hours. It’s still not bright white! 😭
Allison says
Hello,
First want to say I love your website and videos. I was a blogger and it is so much work and kiddos for the amazing job you are doing. You are very personable and if we lived closer I would have to be your friend. You inspired me to bleach drop cloth. I had lots of problems, lol. I ended up getting Harbor Freight because I was able to get them for 11.99$ for 9×12 and currently amazon Chicago brand is 24$ each. I did research and the ones I got were 100% cotton. My washing machine failed me and refuses to hold water and with humidity it’s 100 outside, fumes were killing me and my kids. I tried someone’s idea of sanitizing in the machine but that failed me too. So as a last resort I stuck one whole in a plastic bin outside for many hours but just regular temp water and it works. Like 12-14 hours with half gallon bleach. I did try cutting one in half but it frayed like crazy when I washed it out. Had to cut loose, it was a hot mess. They are soft now and white so I am eager to make slip covers and other projects. Thanks for the inspiration!
Lisa Patterson says
Hey Allison,
Did you just cut the frayed edge?
Or did you put something on it?
Mine did the same!!!! 😐
Lisa Patterson
Amanda Morris says
I just placed my drop cloth in the washer about 45 mins ago. I bought the one from your link, and it’s already losing color. Right now it is a little darker than ivory! I almost want to take it out now, its so beautiful! Thank you so much for the tutorial! I will be reupholstering a settee, making napkins and backs for my pillow covers with it. so excited!!!
Jade says
Hi Lisa,
Please help! Ive over bleached mine a little and i can see a tinge of yellow as the result. Its not soo bad but its noticeable.
How should I fix this? I don’t need it to be snowy white, just not yellow.
Should i do the whole process again and if i do how long for this second time round? Do I need to add other chemicals in the process… pls help I cant seem to find an answer anywhere online!?!??
Jade
plaster says
Loved all your habits here. Just came across this article, very informative and great tips! Thanks so much and keep up the great content.
Amanda says
Mine turned out so splotchy 😢 is there any way to fix that? Bleach again?
Lisa says
Yes, I would just repeat the whole process! It does take some persuasion, but they do eventually turn white!
Bridget says
I had bought drop cloth from Harbor Freight (100% cotton) My sweet friend made chair covers from them. I had a lot of left over so we (she) cut them down to make tiny little curtains for my tiny little windows in my tiny little house. Bleached as you instructed (i used a plastic tub in my bathroom tub) placed them in water n bleach. I could tell a difference in a 3 hour period. Went ahead and let them stay pretty much over night. So far so good!! They are in the washer now, washing out left over bleach.
They had been washed n dried as one big canvas before starting any of the projects. But I’m finding myself hesitant to put in dryer, I’m afraid of more shrinking and they are already cut n sewn perfectly for the size of my windows.
So happy w results to far!!
Thank you for posting your instructions!!
Dawn says
I’m assuming you have to sew the edges since you cut them. Prob a dumb question but just checking since you didn’t mention what you did afterwards.
lynne Neil says
Please provide the brand name of drop cloths you order on Amazon. thank you Lynne
Angela F Ogden says
Do you think this could be done in a large plastic storage tub as well?
Concrete says
Thank you for this blog you post
Karen says
We have a septic tank so I put my drop clothes in a big plastic tub along with hot tap water and bleach outside and let it sit as needed. Once it’s at the desired whiteness I take rubber gloves and wring as much bleached water out of the drop clothes and dump the remaining water out in our woods. I then wash as needed in my top loader and dry in my dryer. This significantly reduces the amount of bleach in our septic.
Lisa Patterson says
Hey Lisa,
I’m not sure if someone has asked this?
I cut my 9×12 in half (no seam) it is fraying really bad.
My sewing machine was borrowed and never returned, did you have this problem. Any suggestions?
Not sure if you can wash after the seam glue. 🤓
By the way, I love your site and the bleached curtains!!!
I know for a fact other manufacturers use more harmful chemicals on their bleached fabrics!!!
Thanks, Lisa Patterson
Georgia M says
Chicago canvas and Supply Co. makes the BEST 100% cotton drop cloths. The 9×12 size does NOT have a seam down the middle. I get mine off Amazon for about $20 each-ish.
Julia says
These are the ones I just ordered and I am trying to bleach. I have followed the instructions, but they are turning out cream, not the bright white that I wanted. Do you have any suggestions?