term storage of the fabric as shown a dyed cellulosic fabric 10 is preferably passed in countercurrent flow through a scouring bath 14 by means of rolls 12 in a continuous process however the process may be carried out step wise or batchwise depending upon the fabric the scouring bath 14 which generally comprises a 2 to 10 solution of sodium hydroxide and about 0 1 to 0 5 detergent is at ambient to elevated temperature about 100 u00b0 c if desired an oxidizing gas such as ozone may optionally be added to the bath according to the process following the scouring bath the fabric is conveyed to a steamer 18 after passage through contact or squeegee rolls 16 16 39 and a conveyor roll 17 the treatment in the steamer 18 is usually for a period of about one half hour after the steam treatment the fabric is conveyed from the steamer 18 over a conveyor roll 17 to a vacuum or aspirator means 20 for removal of a substantial portion of any residual sodium hydroxide solution also the fabric may be washed with brine or water to remove alkaline residue from the fabric in bath 31 the fabric 10 can be further steamed in j box 22 and passed into.