How to Bleach Osnaburg

Osnaburg is a heavy-duty fabric that is often used to make burlap bags but is also popular for home decorating because it is thick and sturdy. Untreated, osnaburg is usually oatmeal or light brown in color but can be bleached to create a canvas for a fabric print or to achieve a white color. If you have a piece of osnaburg you plan to use for a project, there are two methods for bleaching it. You can bleach the color out of it or you can use color-safe nonchlorine bleach to clean the fabric without compromising the color.

Chlorine or nonchlorine bleach
Washing machine
Laundry soap
Dryer or clothesline

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a wash cycle on your washing machine and allow the machine to fill about halfway. Use the cold water setting on your machine.
- 2
  Add an appropriate amount of laundry soap according to the directions on the package.
- 3
  Add your osnaburg fabric to the washing machine, pushing down to fully immerse the fabric in the water.
- 4
  Add bleach or nonchlorine bleach. Most washing machines have a specific opening or area to pour the bleach into. Fill this area to the line. If your machine does not have a bleach fill area, pour in 3/4 of a cup of bleach or nonchlorine bleach after you add your laundry detergent.
- 5
  Close the lid and allow the washing machine to finish the wash cycle.
- 6
  Place your osnaburg in the dryer and allow to dry completely. Alternatively, line dry it to help prevent shrinking.

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