Bleaching Wool using Hydrogen Peroxide

Source: http://www.prochemical.com/directions/BleachingWool.htm
Also See: http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/FAQ/discharge_chemicals.shtml

Bleaching Wool using Hydrogen Peroxide
Please read the directions carefully before starting.
Hydrogen peroxide is the preferred bleaching agent for white wool and the safer bleaching agent for cotton. Sodium hypochlorite (Chlorox) is sometimes used on cotton but never on wool or silk. Hypochlorite can damage cotton and will destroy wool and silk. Therefore we offer this simple method of bleaching with Hydrogen Peroxide. Always do test samples before working on a large project.

Supplies

1. 35% Hydrogen peroxide OR 10% strength (hair bleaching) peroxide OR 3% hydrogen peroxide
   (first aid type)
2. Synthrapol
3. PRO Dye Activator or Soda Ash
4. Acetic Acid 56%OR white distilled vinegar 5%

Procedure for 1 Pound (454 gm) of wool fabric or yarn:

1. Scour the fabric by machine washing in HOT 140^oF (60^oC) water, or
   by hand in a pot on the stove, with tsp (2 gm) PRO Dye Activator or Soda Ash and tsp
   (2.5 ml) Synthrapol per pound of fabric (454 gm, or 3 to 4 yards muslin weight fabric).
   Rinse thoroughly.
2. Make the bleaching solution below, in a stainless steel or unchipped enamel pot.

   To 4 quarts (4 liters) of cool water add:

   • 7 Tbl (68 gm) of PRO Dye Activator or Soda Ash
   • 1 tsp (5 ml) Synthrapol
   • 1 cup (250 ml) 35% Hydrogen Peroxide.

   Should it be impossible to obtain the 35% strength of peroxide, try the following:

   To 2 quarts (2 liters) of cool water add:

   • 7 Tbl (68 gm) PRO Dye Activator or Soda Ash
   • 1 tsp (5 ml) Synthrapol
   • 3 cups (875 ml) 10% strength (hair bleaching) peroxide OR 6 pints (2736 ml) 3%
     hydrogen peroxide (first aid type)
3. Heat the bath to 130^oF (55^oC) and turn off the heat.
4. Add the pre-washed fabric or yarn. Stir to ensure thorough saturation. Place a
   small plate or dish on fabric and add weights to make sure fabric remains below the
   surface of the bleaching solution. Water-filled glass jars with covers make excellent
   weights.
5. Allow to bleach for 16 to 24 hours in a room no cooler than 70^oF (21^oC);
   then pour off the liquid and rinse fabric well in warm water.
6. Neutralize the wool in a solution containing 1 Tbl (15 ml) of Acetic Acid 56% or
   11 Tbl (165 ml) household white vinegar 5% per gallon (4 liters) of warm water for 10
   minutes.
7. Rinse well and dry or squeeze out excess liquid and enter fabric into dye bath.