Peracetic Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide for Textile Disinfection and Mild Bleaching
Hydrogen peroxide is widely used as a bleaching agent for natural and synthetic fibers such as cotton, wool, rayon, silk, linen, and viscose. It provides high brightness while helping to maintain the mechanical properties of fibers, fabrics, and textiles. In industrial laundries, peracetic acid is commonly applied for effective disinfection and also functions as a mild bleaching agent.
Further Information
Hydrogen Peroxide for Color Safe Bleaching
The use of hydrogen peroxide in textile and laundry bleaching allows a high degree of whiteness and brightness while helping to preserve the mechanical properties of textile fibers. Similar to pulp and cotton bleaching, this bleaching process takes place in an alkaline environment. The bleaching liquors must be stabilized to prevent decomposition reactions caused by trace metals such as copper, iron, and manganese, which may be present in textile fibers or in process water used for industrial laundry applications.
Practically all cotton produced today is bleached, and approximately 80–90% of all cotton fabrics are bleached with hydrogen peroxide. Typically, hydrogen peroxide bleaching is carried out using 0.3–0.6 wt% H₂O₂ solutions at a pH of 10.5–11.5, for 1–3 hours at temperatures of 90–95 °C, which represent commonly applied conditions in professional textile and laundry processing. In the past, sodium hypochlorite was used for cotton bleaching but was discontinued due to fiber damage and process‑related challenges.
Color‑safe laundry bleaches containing hydrogen peroxide have been widely accepted in various applications. One key advantage of hydrogen peroxide in laundry bleaching is that it does not adversely affect modern textile dyes.
Evonik’s hydrogen peroxide grades have demonstrated effective bleaching performance in hard surface cleaners, laundry prespot products, carpet cleaners, and other color‑safe bleaching formulations used in industrial, commercial, and professional cleaning applications.
Peracetic Acid Based Laundry Disinfection and Bleaching Process
Industrial laundries process laundry from hotels, hospitals, restaurants, and food processing plants using continuous‑flow washing machines, also known as industrial tunnel washers. These industrial laundry processes consist of a series of different compartments in which the linen is treated. The laundry washing process includes pre‑washing, washing, rinsing, post‑treatment, and dewatering. After use, peracetic acid breaks down into only biodegradable substances and is therefore considered a sustainable chemical for industrial laundry and textile applications.
In the chemo‑thermal disinfection of laundry, especially laundry originating from medical institutions and nursing homes, peracetic acid (PAA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) are used during the washing stage as a disinfectant and bleaching agent. Preventing possible pathogen transfer among patients is the primary goal of professional laundry and textile treatment. Laundry disinfectants are usually added in the main wash cycle and target the elimination of bacteria, spores, and viruses. In some cases, the textile disinfection step is carried out after applying detergents and prior to the dewatering cycle. Textile and laundry disinfection is essential for infection prevention for patients and staff in numerous healthcare and medical facilities.
