National Clothesline

Reducing bleaches are those bleaches that remove oxygen from the fabric. They are opposite from oxidizing bleaches, which add oxygen to a stain or fabric.

Reducing bleaches are acid in nature while most oxidizing bleaches are alkaline in nature. Hydrogen peroxide is the exception to the rule.

Although all bleaches can remove dye stains, reducing bleaches are usually the most effective.

Many cleaners think that only oxidizing bleaches, such as sodium perborate or sodium percarbonate, are whitening agents.

Reducing bleaches in many cases can be better whitening agents than oxidizing agents. The degree to which a bleach can whiten a fabric very often depends on the fabric and the fluorescent dye used on the fabric.

For example reducing bleaches may be better for whitening wool and silk than oxidizing agents. The alkaline nature of oxidizing bleaches may yellow wool and silk while reducing bleaches may whiten it more.

Sometimes a better whitening effect can be made on cotton, linen or rayon using oxidizing bleaches, but it is not guaranteed. Before proceeding to use a bleach for whitening, it should be tested on an unexposed area for effectiveness.

Do not assume that whitening should only be done with oxidizing bleaches. Reducing bleach as well as all bleach should not contact metal. Metal accelerates the action of the bleach. Metal trimming in contact with any bleach will oxidize and tarnish. All bleaches are accelerated by heat. Every 18 °F rise in temperature will double the chemical action.

This is a mild reducing bleach that is not commonly used. It comes in powder form and can be obtained from your chemical supplier. I have been using it for many years in my analysis work for removing dye because it is the safest reducing bleach available.

It must be tested before use, but it may have the best chance of removing dye stains without affecting the color on the fabric.

Sodium bisulphate can also be used as an antichlor. This means that after bleaching with sodium hypochlorite the use of sodium bisulphate in the rinse will neutralize the remaining chlorine left in the fabric. It can also be used to restore yellowing caused by chlorine bleach on some white fabrics.

The rule of restoring color is as follows: “If an oxidizing bleach causes discoloration rinse then use a reducing bleach.”

Sodium bisulphate can be used as a bath bleach in the ratio of one to two ounces per gallon of water. For spot bleaching, put sodium bisulphate in a bottle and dilute with water. Apply to a stain, heat and flush thoroughly.

It can also be applied to a stain in powder form, moistened with water, heated and flushed.

Do not use an acid in conjunction with this bleach since it forms sulphuric acid which can easily damage dyes and fabrics.

Wilson Chemical makes a product called ColorGo. This is a stronger reducing bleach than sodium bisulphate. It is effective for removing dye stains but must be carefully tested. It can be put on a stain as a powder or, as the company recommends, mixed with water in a spotting bottle. It is also used to neutralize PermaGo, which is a Wilson product consisting of potassium permanganate.

One of the most difficult things a cleaner deals with is trying to settle a dispute with a customer. In the case with the $65 million lawsuit, the cleaner did not know who he was dealing with and results that could occur.

I think enough has been written about this outlandish lawsuit, but what about preventing the problem in the future? If drycleaners are having a problem with a customer that they know they can not handle, they should seek outside help. This can be from your trade association, chemical sales rep or the garment analyst that you deal with.

A knowledgeable third party speaking directly to the customer can be beneficial. As a garment analyst I am called many times to speak directly with a customer about their garment problem.

Most recently I was asked by a client of mine to not only analyze the football jerseys that bled but to call the manufacturer who did not understand the problem.

The Drycleaning and Laundry Institute and I both had similar analysis on football jerseys “Big Red” that bled while lying wet for a period of time.

I called the manufacturer concerning the problem and explained the problem with fugitive dyes. He claimed that the jerseys were wet for a period of time and this mishandling is what caused the bleeding.

I was able to prove to him that the dye on the lettering was at fault because the other dye trimming which was also wet was stable and did not bleed. He admitted that his company had set the dye on the trimming but sent the lettering out for dyeing. He accepted my explanation because I acted as a knowledgeable third party.