Do you want your “whites” whiter and your sinks cleaner? Then just add some bleach! Thanks to those in 3000 B.C. who discovered if you mix wood ashes with water a lye solution is created. If clothes soaked in this lye solution and dried in the sun the clothes came out whiter than before! As years passed the “bleach” solution was tweaked by scientists. In 1897 different bleaching products were available: ammonia, borax, lye, blueing and dry blueing. During World War II chlorine bleach was used to purify water in the military camps. Today you can find household bleach, chlorine bleach and non-chlorine bleach, bleaches in detergents and cleaning supplies. Just make sure you know the proper way to use your bleach of choice and avoid turning your favorite black t-shirt into your favorite polka dot apparel!