Abstract: A composition is provided for washing fabric, particularly denim, prior to sale. The composition includes an amphoteric surfactant, a builder which ensures that the surfactant in a washing solution, is initially in an anionic state, and a pH builder which causes the pH of the washing solution to decrease to thereby change the amphoteric surfactant to its cationic state. In its anionic state the surfactant acts as a wetting agent to encourage such actions as pre-shrinking and dye-bleeding by the washing solution. In its cationic state the surfactant can be adsorbed onto the fabric so as to exhibit fabric softening and anti-static effects. A lubricant is preferably included in the composition to reduce uneven dye-bleeding caused by fabric to fabric abrasion in the wash cycle.