How can I neutralize the damaging effects of chlorine bleach?
Experienced dyers agree that the effects of unneutralized chlorine bleach discharge are deadly to fabric. Some residue of the hypochlorite remains in the fabric even after washing, later resulting in holes or thin spots wherever bleach was applied. Fabric that looks fine after bleaching may be in rags a few weeks later. The answer is to neutralize your fabric after you bleach it. You must also strictly avoid using chlorine bleach on any synthetic fiber, such as polyester, nylon, or spandex, because the damage done by chlorine bleach to synthetic fibers is irreversible. Use only 100% cellulose fibers, such as cotton or hemp, for bleach discharge. (Some synthetic fibers such as nylon can be safely discharged with another chemical, instead of chlorine bleach, known as sodium hydrosulfite or sodium dithionite.) What NOT to use Whatever you do, never use vinegar or any other acid in an attempt to neutralize your chlorine bleach. It will destroy the hypochlorite that is the active ingredient
