How To Bleach Drop Cloth For Vintage Vibes

In this quick tutorial, I’m going to show you how to successfully bleach drop cloth fabric to get a beautiful creamy vintage vibe.

I have these gorgeous vintage linen napkins I was hoping to use in a tablescape. And I needed a table runner that was more creamy than khaki, tan, or even the coveted bright white. The steps are basically the same, you’ll just want to cut the processing time before it goes totally bright white.

If you love the look of this tablescape go see how I put it together in How to Create A Romantic Tablescape.

So, let’s talk about all the details you’ll want to know before you bleach drop cloth. And the secrets to give drop cloth fabric those vintage vibes I was looking for.

Why I Love & Recommend Drop Cloth As A Fabric

There are several different reasons why I love to bleach drop cloth fabric and use it in my home. And it isn’t just because it’s the popular thing to do. Let’s look at some of the reasons that make drop cloth one of the best choices to use in DIY projects.

• Low cost – Which makes it the obvious and best choice for those working on a small budget.
• Thickness & Strength – The material is extremely durable because its original purpose was for heavy use in construction sites. Therefore it is extremely durable, perfect for a house full of kids!
• Doesn’t Stain Easily – My kids and cats often get their dirty little feet/hands on it and leave stains and it easily washes off
• Naturally Water Repellant – It doesn’t soak in water as quickly as other fabrics making it a really great choice. (After bleach and several washes this feature does wane).
• Becomes Soft & Creamy When Bleached – It comes out of the package feeling pretty coarse and looking very tan. But with bleach and a soak, it can easily turn into beautiful crisp white (or a lovely vintage cream color). Making it really easy to maintain in a house full of kids.

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Where To Get The Drop Cloth Fabric & What Type To Use

The brand you purchase will really make all the difference in the world. Especially as far as how soft and white it will be able to become when you the bleach drop cloth. Each drop cloth has a different blend and may not be completely suitable for optimal results. For best results only use 100% cotton drop cloth fabric.

Additionally, drop cloths generally come with a seam, though not always. So beware when you purchase that you may get one with a seam in an undesirable location.

Also, take into account that cotton does shrink in the wash. So, before cutting it to wash, ensure you are leaving plenty of extra on all sides. That way you will have enough fabric for your project, plus seam allowances.

This is the recommended brand from Amazon, It is the 6-7 oz weight in 9′ by 11′ size. If you already have some on hand I would try it and see how it works before purchasing anything else. If it doesn’t work you can always use it for its original purpose, protecting your things from paint splatters!

To Bleach Drop Cloth | Choose Your Method

There are a couple of different methods that you can use to start this step of the process. The basic idea is the same in both methods, it just depends on what kind of container you have on hand or are able to use.

If I could choose a favorite method I would say the ability to do this process outside would be my personal preferred method, but I used my top loader washing machine and it worked fine with the lid closed.

The first method I’m going to talk about is the washing machine method.

The Top Loader Washing Machine Method

Something to account for when using this method would be the size of your washing machine. If you have a smaller drum you will want to cut the fabric before soaking/washing. Keep in consideration the size of your project before making a cut, or cut it the desired dimensions of your project plus seams first with an additional allowance for cotton’s shrinkage on all sides. That way you aren’t left with less fabric than you need.

You don’t want an overcrowded washer because overcrowding could result in splotchy bleach spots which is not the result we’re going for.

For using the washing machine method, you will want to use the largest capacity load setting for your machine.

The Steps To Bleach In A Washing Machine

1. Let your machine fill completely before adding any bleach.
2. Then add 4 Cups of Bleach (2 cups if you’re using the concentrated version)
3. Also, be sure to ensure your fabric is totally soaked.
4. When full, close the lid to allow the machine to agitate the bleach a bit. This will ensure the bleach is evenly distributed to all the fabric.
5. Then pause the cycle and let the soak begin.
6. Check on your project every 1-2 hours and agitate it each time.
7. Overall, allow it to soak for 3-4 hours for vintage cream or 5-6 hours for bright white. Or until you’ve reached the cream/white you’re wanting. (It is not recommended to go beyond 8 hours).
8. If in the end, your fabric is still not the color you’re looking for, finish the cycle and repeat.
9. When you’ve achieved your optimal creaminess or bright white fill your machine for another cycle. Add 1 Cup of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide plus laundry soap to the water and drop cloth. Let this cycle run all the way through. *The hydrogen peroxide will neutralize the bleach. Which will prevent it from breaking down the fabric any further.
10. The last and final step, throw it in the dryer.

No top loader? See the next method below!

The Bathtub (or Container) Method

Disclaimer: First, a word of caution, bleach is highly corrosive, so it’s always important to use it with caution. Know what your bathtub is made out of and research accordingly for that material. Bleach is safe on fiberglass or white porcelain.

Pouring undiluted bleach directly onto a bathtub surface may cause it to become permanently discolored. Many acrylic tub manufacturers warn against using bleach or other abrasive cleaners. Because this “may void the warranty” on your bathtub.

The Bathtub Method is pretty much exactly the same as the regular steps, with a few alterations.

The Steps to Bleach Using A Bathtub (Or another container)

1. Then fill the container completely before adding any bleach.
2. Then add 4 Cups of Bleach (2 cups if you’re using the concentrated version)
3. Also, be sure to ensure your fabric is totally soaked.
4. When full, use a large stick to stir the bleach water and ensure it is evenly distributed to all the fabric.
5. Then let the soak begin.
6. Make sure to turn on your fan in the bathroom and close the door to try to keep the smell of bleach contained. The smell will get really strong.
7. Check on your project every 1-2 hours and stir it each time.
8. Allow it to soak for 5-6 hours or until you’ve reached the cream/white you’re wanting. (Not recommended to go beyond 8 hours)
9. If you go through all these steps and your fabric is still not the bright white you’re looking for, finish the cycle and repeat.
10. When you’ve achieved your optimal creaminess or bright white put it in your washing machine for a cycle and add 1 Cup of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide plus laundry soap to the water and drop cloth. Let this cycle run all the way through. *The hydrogen peroxide will neutralize the bleach to prevent it from breaking down the fabric any further.
11. The last and final step, throw it in the dryer.

Other Container Options & Additional Tips

Tip 1: If you don’t wish to use your bathtub there are other options! One great alternative option is to purchase a large galvanized steel bucket/tub of some sort similar to this one. Or this one from Tractor Supply. Both would be great options.

Tip 2: If you can do this process outside it would be extremely beneficial. Obviously, if you’re using your bathtub that’s not outside, but if you can get a tub to do it outside I would say this would be preferable. Simply because of the strong bleach smell.

Tip 3: If you are using your bathtub you can put a rolled-up towel in front of the closed door to help keep the bleach smell from coming out into the rest of the house.