(57) A bleaching composition is provided which comprises:

(A) hydrogen peroxide and or a hydrogen peroxide addition compound such as a percarbonate, perborate and perphosphoric acid:

(B) a hindered amine compound selected from the group consisting of heterocyclic hindered amines, acyclic hindered amine compounds and salts thereof; and

(C) an active halogen-containing compound capable of forming a hypohalogenous acid ion in an aqueous solution such as chloramine T and chloramine B. The bleaching composition may also contain a surfactant such as polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ether in addition to the components (A) to (C) to improve the dirt-removing effect. By adding the specified hindered amine to the combination of the components (A) and (B), the synergistic effect thereof is further improved. Thus the composition exhibits an excellent bleaching effect at low temperatures without causing discoloration of colored clothes.