The use is claimed of transition metal complexes of the formula (I) [M(L)Y.sub.n]X.sub.m (I) where M is a metal atom from the group of Mn and Fe, L is a ligand of the general formula (II) or (III) ##STR00001## where R1, R2, R3 and R4 are the same or different and are each H, C.sub.1 C.sub.8-alkyl or C.sub.6 C.sub.12-alkaryl; X and Y are each an uncharged or anionic ligand from the group of CH.sub.3CN, chloride, bromide, nitrate, perchlorate, sulfate, citrate, hexafluorophosphate, trifluoromethanesulfonate, tetrafluoroborate, tetraphenylborate or an anion of organic acids having C.sub.1 C.sub.22 carbon atoms, n and m are each a number from 0 to 4 as bleach catalysts in laundry detergents and cleaning compositions.