Existing methods for preparing AcOOH were sketched. Steridial W-10, 50 g/L, contg. AcOOH 9-11 % and H2O2, AcOH, detergents adjusted to pH 6-8 with 7-8 g/L NaOH, was used to bleach a linen woven fabric (235 g/m(2)) pretreated in a bath of 7.5 g/L Na2CO3, 4.5 g/L NaOH, and 1 g/L detergent (1 h, 98degreesC), by two methods: (I) 3.0 g/L NaOCl, 1.5 g/L NaNO3, 1 g/L detergent (0.5 h, 90degreesC) and 6 mL/L 40% H2O2, 2 g/L stabilizer, 2.2 g/L NaOH (1.5 h, 90degreesC); and (11) 50 mL/L Steridial W-10, 2 g/L stabilizer (45 min, 60degreesC) and with H2O2 as in method I. COD, BOD5, and AOX were: (1) 1454, 520 mg O-2/L, and 5.94 mg/L; (11) 2952,1362 mg O-2/L and <01 mg/L, resp. Whiteness was comparably high and so was bleached fiber strength. AcOOH can replace H2O2 to bleach cotton and flax fibers at 60-80degreesC, pH 6-8, with savings in water and energy.