Advantages and Disadvantages of Bleaching with Calcium Hypochlorite
More stable than sodium hypochlorite so strength will be more consistent.
Less expensive than sodium hypochlorite.
Less alkali needed to buffer the pH than other forms of bleaching.
Less bleaching time than sodium hypochlorite.
Must be well diluted with water to ensure against bleach spots and uneven bleaching. pH must be at least 10.
Bleaches very fast due to the strength and does not penetrate the seams as well as sodium hypochlorite.
If the pH is too low, below 10, uneven bleaching will occur and is most evident on hip pockets.
Harmful to skin in concentrated form.
Oxidatative degradation of cotton fibers will occur if the bleach is not completely neutralized, and the garments will turn yellow.
Can damage synthetic fibers.
Very difficult to dissolve in water.
Adversely affects tensile strength if process is not controlled.
