The TAED/H2O2/NaHCO3 system as an approach to low-temperature and near-neutral pH bleaching of cotton

► The TAED/H2O2/NaHCO3 system was conducted for bleaching of cotton. ► The bleaching performance was investigated and optimized using CCD combined with RSM. ► Temperature was the most significant variable followed by [TAED] and time but [NaHCO3] was insignificant. ► The bleaching system provided cotton with satisfactory degree of whiteness, water absorbency and dyeability. ► The bleaching system had competitive advantage in protecting cotton from severe chemical damage in bleaching.