Name: Gail
Message: I want to fade a new pair of extra large overalls. Can you tell me how much bleach to use in the washer? Should I add the bleach to the wait and let it agitate until mixed well before I add the overalls? I don't want them to be spotted.

Whatever discharge agent you use to lighten your overalls, you should certainly mix it well with the water in the washing machine before adding them. Or, you can mix it into a quart of water and add it to the automatic bleach dispenser on your washing machine, if there is one.

You have two main choices for chemicals to use to lighten the dye. The best choice would probably be Rit Fast Fade for Jeans, which is often available from fabric stores. Rit Fast Fade for Jeans contains sodium carbonate and sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate. It is easier on the fabric than chlorine bleach, and is less apt to leave holes. Follow the instructions on the box. 

The other choice is chlorine bleach, which contains sodium hypochlorite. Chlorine bleach will continue to eat away at the denim after you have finished using it, unless you neutralize it afterwards. You can neutralize it with a product called Anti-Chlor (sodium metabisulfite), or by rinsing with hydrogen peroxide or by washing with a chlorine-free oxygen 'bleach', such as OxyBoost. Do not attempt to use vinegar for this purpose, as the reaction between bleach and acid produces even more caustic and dangerous chemicals. I am not sure how much chlorine bleach you should use. You could try one cup of bleach mixed into a washing machine full of water. If the results are not light enough, you can repeat the process.

Please be careful when using either bleach or Fast Fade. Chlorine bleach is a very hazardous chemical; you should take care to avoid much exposure to it. Do not get it on your skin, and use good ventilation.

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