SECOND QUARTER 2026  37
NO. 551
B U L L E T I N
By DLI Staff
Bleach Causes Fabric Damage
What Is The Problem?
Sometimes mysterious holes show up in cellulose fabrics (plant 
fibers), such as cotton, ramie, linen, or rayon.
What Does It Look Like?
In some cases, there is color loss or discoloration in the 
damaged area. The damage could be circular, linear, or have 
an irregular shape. Also, a secondary original stain may still 
be visible in the damaged area.        
What Caused It?
This fiber damage is called oxycellulose and was caused by 
local contact with an oxidizing agent, such as bleach. Some sub­
stances that contain oxidizing agents or bleaches include home 
bleaches; metal and tile cleaners, and other scouring products, 
spa and pool chemicals, disinfectants, permanent wave and 
other hair care products, acne and skin preparations, and many 
other medicines. Oxycellulose is only formed when cellulose 
fibers are degraded by the prolonged effect of oxidizing bleach 
residue over time. The weakened fiber then easily breaks in the 
normal agitation of any later drycleaning or laundering pro­
cess causing holes or tears. The strength of the chemical and 
the length of time it is on the fabric will determine the degree 
of damage. 
Can It Be Prevented?
Oxycellulose disintegration can often be avoided if the 
chemical is thoroughly flushed with cold water from the 
The back of this cotton shirt contacted bleach in local areas prior to 
the last washing. The fabric is now discolored and damaged.
fabric immediately after contact. Unfortunately, if the bleach 
concentration is fairly strong, then loss of color or local discol­
oration may still result.
Who Is Responsible?
The owner of the item is responsible for this type of chemical 
damage, since the chemical contact originated from some cir­
cumstance of use, transportation or storage and was allowed to 
remain on the fabric for a period of time.
Is There A Remedy?
There is no method of restoration once the damage appears.
Note: All in-print DLI bulletins, including this one, are available on DLI’s Drycleaning Encyclopedia accessible in the Members Only section of 
DLIonline.org. This resource is available to Standard, Gold, Premier, and International Members.

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