The efficiencies of various washing agents (anionic and non-ionic) in removing hydrolyzed reactive dye are evaluated. Hydrolyzed dye was padded onto bleached cotton woven fabric and dried to provide the experimental material. Samples were washed at 95 degrees C with various washing agents in different concentrations, processing times, and liquor ratios. Removal efficiencies were assessed-spectrophotometrically. The best washing results were obtained with non-ionic washing agent. Liquor ratio has a dominant effect on efficiency on removing the hydrolyzed reactive dye. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.