A composition, bleaching agent, bleaching element, method for making a bleaching element and a method for intentionally distressing fabric, typically blue indigo denim cloth. The disclosed composition includes a mixture of an oxidizer and an acid that eliminates or substantially reduces yellowing of the fabric after acid washing. The preferred oxidizer is preferably selected from the group consisting of potassium permanganate, sodium permanganate and sodium hypochlorite. The preferred acid is an acid such as phosphoric acid. A bleaching element made in accordance with the present invention includes an abrading device impregnated with the composition of the present invention. The method for intentionally distressing fabric such as denim includes the step of tumbling or otherwise subjecting the fabric to a bleaching element made in accordance with the invention. The disclosed invention further includes a finished garment treated by the disclosed method for intentionally distressing fabric.