Bleaches are used to eliminate color imperfections such as grayness from natural fibers, including wool and cotton, and to impart a pleasing white, laundered effect. They are also used to lighten the color of flour and other foodstuffs; to treat wood pulp prior to its manufacture into paper; as disinfectants; to sanitize swimming pools; to remove mold; as deodorants; and as cleaning agents. Although bleaches are commonly used to remove color from clothing, there are other ways, such as exposure to sunlight, to achieve the same effect. The bleaching action is accomplished by oxidation of the colored impurities by the bleach.

There are two basic types of bleaches: chlorine (hypochlorite) bleaches, and peroxy type bleaches. The hypochlorite bleaches tend to be more powerful oxidizers than the peroxy compounds.Sodium bromide is sometimes used in combination with the hypochlorites to bleach cellulose materials.

Sodium hypochlorite, which is now sold...