The Bittersweet Farewell

The Clorox Bleach Pen has been a lifesaver for yacht stewardesses for years. Its precision, ease of use, and effectiveness at removing stubborn stains on white fabrics have made it an essential tool. From removing wine spills on tablecloths to tackling unsightly uniform stains, these pens have been a trusted companion on board. So, when the news of their discontinuation hit the maritime world, it felt like the end of an era.

Why We Loved Clorox Bleach Pens

• Precision: The fine-tipped applicator allowed for precise application, ensuring that only the stained area was treated.
• Portability: The compact size of bleach pens made them easy to store and carry on board, ready for quick stain emergencies.
• Versatility: Yacht stewardesses appreciated that bleach pens were effective on a wide range of fabrics, from uniforms to linens.
• Minimal Mess: The controlled application minimized the risk of bleach splatters or spills, a crucial concern in the confined spaces of a yacht.

Creating Your DIY Bleach Pen

Don't despair; you can create your own bleach pens and continue to keep your whites, white. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Materials Needed

1. 1 cup of water
2. 2-4 Tbsp cornstarch
3. An empty squeeze bottle with a fine-tip nozzle
4. 1/3 Liquid bleach
5. A small funnel
6. Small sauce pan
7. Whisk
8. A measuring cup or syringe for precise bleach measurement.
9. Disposable gloves.
10. A piece of white fabric for testing.

Steps

1. Safety First: Put on your disposable gloves to protect your hands from bleach exposure.
2. Prepare the Bottle: Use the funnel to pour liquid bleach into the empty squeeze bottle. Start with a small amount, such as 1/4 cup.
3. Test for Precision: Before applying bleach to any valuable items, test the nozzle's precision by squeezing a small amount onto the piece of white fabric. This will help you gauge the flow and ensure you don't apply too much bleach at once.
4. Dilute If Necessary: Depending on the concentration of your bleach, you may need to dilute it slightly with water to achieve the desired bleach pen effect. Be cautious and add water incrementally, testing as you go.
5. Fill the Bleach Pen: Once you're satisfied with the bleach concentration and nozzle precision, carefully fill the bleach pen with the bleach solution using the funnel.
6. Store Properly: Seal the bleach pen tightly when not in use, and store it away from direct sunlight to maintain its effectiveness.
7. Use with Caution: Just like with the Clorox Bleach Pen, apply your DIY bleach pen cautiously, ensuring it only comes into contact with the stained area. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area first, especially with delicate fabrics.

Conclusion

The discontinuation of Clorox Bleach Pens might have left yacht stewardesses feeling blue, but with a little ingenuity and effort, you can create your DIY bleach pens to maintain the pristine white appearance of your uniforms and linens. While we bid adieu to a trusted friend, we embark on a new journey of self-sufficiency, armed with the knowledge to keep our whites, white, even in the absence of our beloved Clorox Bleach Pens. Happy cleaning, yacht stews!

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