Abstract Succinic acid was used as a spacer to bind titanium dioxide onto nylon as a new approach to develop self-cleaning fibers. Photoinduced decomposition of stains was achieved within acceptable times under ultraviolet A irradiation, a component of both solar light and indoor lamps spectrum. The surface properties of this innovative film were determined by scanning electron microscopy, electron-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The self-cleaning process was evaluated by analyzing the discoloration of coffee and palm oil stains by ultraviolet/visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy and mineralization via CO 2 evolution, recorded using an infrared sensor. The results indicate that grafting TiO 2 onto nylon, a synthetic fiber, using succinic acid is a successful chemical binding method, leading to a new self-cleaning material for stain discoloration. This new material is a promising solution to save water and reduce wastewater generated by the use of conventional substances used in textile cleaning.