If you're out playing in the summer sun, your shorts are bound to get a little dirty. Bleaching can remove more stains and brighten your shorts better than detergent can do by itself. The key is knowing what type of bleach to use. Liquid chlorine bleach is also a disinfectant, but can be used only on white clothing and certain fabrics. Oxygen or color-safe bleaches are less effective but gentler on clothes. Check the label on your shorts. Different fabrics will require different treatments.

Check the label to see if your shorts are bleach safe. This means you can treat them with a small amount of liquid chlorine bleach without damaging the fabric.

Start the washer using the warmest water the garment allows – washing water temperatures will be marked on the inside tag of the garment. Pour in the liquid or powder washing detergent and then put the shorts in.

Pour 3/4 cup of bleach into your washing machine's bleach compartment. If there isn't one, pour the bleach directly into the washer approximately five minutes after the wash cycle has started.

Repeat the process if the shorts aren't as white as you'd like, or if stains are still visible.

Check the label on your shorts to make sure they're colorfast. If they aren't, wash them by themselves to avoid having the color bleed onto other clothing.

Put the shorts into the washing machine along with the detergent. Use a color-safe bleach or oxygen bleach -- this information should be on the front of the container. Depending on the product, you'll need to use a certain amount. Check the label for instructions.

Repeat the process if the shorts are still stained. Don't put them into the dryer until you're satisfied with the result.