Sodium hydrosulphite is widely used in the textile industry for reduction dyeing, reduction cleaning, printing and decolorization and for bleaching silk, wool, nylon and other fabrics. Because it does not contain heavy metals, the bleached fabrics have bright colors and are not easy to fade.

Sodium hydrosulphite can also be used as reducing agent or bleaching agent in organic synthesis, such as the production of dyes and pharmaceuticals. It is the most suitable bleaching agent for wood pulp and papermaking.