How to Bleach Wool Using Reduction Method
Reduction bleaching with products such as Oroxalyde Powder™ is generally used for the stripping of dyes from the wool rather than natural fiber coloration since most types of reduction treatments tend to leave the wool with a harsh hand. In some cases, such as with shoddy or waste wool, color must be removed to over-dye, in which case the following is recommended:
- Pre-wash the goods at 125°F(52°C) for 30 minutes with 4.0 % owg Soda Ash.
- Rinse well.
- To a fresh bath, add the following:
1% owg Glacial Acetic acid
3.0% owg Oroxalyde Powder™
Allow rinsed goods to circulate in the acetic acid bath for 10 minutes at 125°F(52°C) before adding the Oroxalyde Powder™. Slowly raise the temperature to 210-212°F(99-100°C) and hold for 30-45 minutes. The goods are then rinsed well, first hot then cold to remove all traces of reducing agent which may cause problems with subsequent dyeing operations.