The application of a degassing system to mercerization process was investigated. It was found that the physical properties of cotton fabrics mercerized in the degassed NaOH solution were superior to those mercerized in NaOH solution. The degree of penetration of the degassed water was examined by measuring wicking height. The wicking height in the degassed water without the wetting agent is higher than that of the saturated water with 0.1 % of wetting agent.