All of Brentano’s bleach cleanable fabrics will have a ‘B’ in the cleaning code to indicate that they can be cleaned with a dilute solution of household bleach, such as Clorox, in the specified ratio. For example, “W/S/B 1:10” means that the fabric can withstand a concentration of one part household bleach to ten parts water. Many of Brentano’s bleach cleanable fabrics can withstand as much as one part household bleach to five parts water (1:5), and in those cases, the higher ratio would be indicated in the cleaning code.

In order to be bleach cleanable, a fabric cannot weaken or fade when exposed to bleach. Solution dyed fibers, including acrylic, nylon, polyethylene, and polypropylene, and high-energy polyester exhibit strong colorfastness when exposed to bleach. Polyurethane-based fabrics can also be treated with a finish that enables them to withstand both bleach and high concentrations of rubbing alcohol.

Bleach cleanability is desirable for any fabric that may need to be disinfected or sterilized. The Center for Disease Control recommends a 1:10 diluted solution of household bleach for these purposes, a ratio that all of Brentano’s bleach cleanable fabrics can withstand.

Many bleach cleanable fabrics have additional stain resistant finishes, antibacterial finishes, and moistures barriers such as DuraBlock and Balance Barrier. This combination of performance features makes them the standard for hospital facilities and busy restaurants.