How to Bleach Drop Cloths

Because my home has so many large projects that take time to complete, I sometimes like to throw in a few small projects to make it feel like I’m actually accomplishing something. It’s like writing simple tasks that you’ve already completed on a to-do lists just to cross it off. Anyone else do that?

On a recent Friday afternoon, I decided to do just that. My guest bedroom is coming together, and I was itching to start decorating. Rather than spending close to $30 for curtain panels, I decided to try drop cloths. It was the easiest project I’ve ever done, and I felt so accomplished.

I picked up two 4’x12’ drop cloths from Harbor Freight. These were quite long, but I knew I wanted them to gather on the floor. These drop cloths were super cheap, but I wanted a softer, linen-like fabric. To accomplish this, I decided to bleach them. The worst that could happen is that I didn’t like them, and I would purchase actual curtains. 

I have a top load washer, and I bleached them one at a time to avoid overcrowding. I let the washer fill up with hot water and poured four cups of bleach. It seems like a lot, but I wanted my curtains to be light. 

After the washer filled up, I added the drop cloth. I let the washer run for about 3 minutes to make sure everything mixed properly for an even color. Once the time was up, I turned off the washer and let the drop cloths soak for three hours. You can adjust the soak time depending on how light you want the cloth. 

After the three hours were up, I completed the wash cycle. Then, I washed the drop cloth again with detergent and smelly good beads. I dried the cloths and used them for my curtains. 

Tools

• Top load washer
• 1 drop cloth
• 4 cups of bleach

Directions

Bleach one drop cloth at a time. Fill up top-load washer and add 4 cups of bleach to washer. Add drop cloth, wash for three minutes. Turn off washer and soak for 3 hours. Finish wash cycle. Complete another wash cycle with detergent. Dry and use for projects.

I hope this helps you on your next drop cloth project.

Your friend,

Laci