How to Bleach Nylon

Bleaching of Nylon is typically not necessary as it usually comes from the factory in a clean white state.  If bleaching is necessary, a good scouring should be performed prior to bleaching to remove any oils, waxes, lubricants, or soil left over during processing. Do not use Hydrogen Peroxide as a bleaching agent as it has no bleaching effects on nylon and in some cases may actually degrade the nylon.  The most effective bleaching process of nylon is the sodium chlorite* process:

 

  1. After scouring goods, rinse well.
  2. In a bath containing 0.1-0.2 oz/gal(0.75-1.5g/L) of Sodium Chlorite and 0.133-0.4 oz/gal(1-3 g/L) Acetic acid, run goods at the boil for 30 minutes. Drop bath and overflow rinse until clear.
  3. Set an antichlor bath at 100°F(40°C) containing 0.2oz/gal(1.5g/L) Sodium Bisulfite and 0.067 oz/gal(0.5g/L) Orconol CHSA Conc.
  4. Bring bath to 175°F(80°C) and run for 15 minutes.
  5. Overflow rinse at 140°F(60°C) for 10 minutes. Proper rinsing is important so that no contaminates or residual detergent is carried over into the dye cycle.

 

Download This Information