Certain sugar derivatives have bleach-activating effect both on ''hydrophilic'' stains (e.g. tea or red wine) and on ''hydrophobic'' stains (e.g. grass or tomato sauce). The compounds in question are derivatives of pentoses or hexoses, having a long-chain acyl group and one or more short-chain acyl or aroyl groups attached through ester bonds. Optionally, a short-chain alkyl group is attached through a glycosidic bond. These compounds are non-toxic and biodegradable, and can conveniently be prepared by methods known in the art.