Low temperature bleaching of cotton cellulose using peracetic acid

► Peracetic acid, an eco-friendly powerful bleaching agent for cotton was prepared in a very simple one-step process. ► Bleaching was carried out at low temperature which means energy conservation with economical and environmental benefits. ► Peracid was consumed first at pH 6 and then the pH was turned to 10 to consume hydrogen peroxide. ► Bleached fabrics showed acceptable whiteness and great deal of tensile properties was retained after bleaching.