purpose of bleaching:

• process used to remove color impurities from fibers, yarns and fabrics or garments
• can be conducted batch wise or continuous
• specific procedure depends on processes and fiber type

fibers that undergo bleaching:

• cotton (including blends)
• wool (not typically bleached)
• synthetics not typically bleached
• silk

steps performed during bleaching:

1. application step (application of chemicals)
2. reaction step (happens during dwelling)
3. washing step (removal of chemicals applied)

**key bath components for bleaching

• oxidative bleaches
  • hydrogen peroxide
  • sodium hypoochlorite
  • sodium chlorite (NaClO2)
• reductive bleaches
  • sodium hydrosulfite

bleaching equipment:

• batch
  • jet, beck, package and garment
• continuous
  • rope range, open width range