Cotton fabrics were treated with a glyoxal/glycol mixture for a nonformalclehyde durable-press finish by a pad-dry-cure method. Aluminum sulfate was used as a catalyst. The effects of additives such as sodium hydrogen sulfate, polyurethane, and a silicone softener were examined. Sodium hydrogen sulfate improved the whiteness and strength retention of the treated fabrics. The degree of whiteness of the treated fabrics was similar to that of fabrics treated with 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid. Polyurethane improved the wrinkle recovery angle and tearing strength retention of the treated fabrics significantly but impaired the whiteness. The softening agent increased the retention of the tearing strength and abrasion resistance significantly. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.