The effect of variation in the scouring and bleaching parameters on the absorption of cotton was studied. Novel bleaching treatments selected from the literature were investigated, in an attempt to increase absorption to greater values than can be obtained by the use of traditional bleaching agents. The effect of swelling agents known to decrystallise cotton was investigated after scouring and scouring/bleaching, also with a view to increasing absorption. The swelling agents were sometimes incorporated in the bleach liquor, on the assumption that bleaching of cotton in the decrystallised state would increase fibre absorption.