Abstract: A method for desizing, scouring and/or bleaching and/or mercerizing textile fabrics by foaming a composition containing an appropriate desizing, bleaching or scouring agent and a foam system to a blow ratio from about 2:1 to 30:1 and a foam density in the range from about 0.5 g/cc to 0.033 g/cc. The foam is applied to the surface of the fabric in a uniform thickness and is then collapsed and forced through the fabric. The fabric is then batched to allow the particular desizing agent, bleaching agent, scouring agent or mercerizing agent to be effective and then the fabric is rinsed. With the inventive process, a substantial reduction in the liquid volume normally required for such treatments as well as improved end results are obtained.