Caring For Hand-Dyed Items
You are now the proud owner of the beauty that results when science and art meet!! While Dyed Items are so pretty to look at, they require some unique care to keep their colors bright, but also to prevent transfer to undyed fabric. Read below how to prep and maintain your dyed clothing/diapers!
Prep and Prevention are Key!
Before items leave Lemon House HQ, they are washed several times in industrial detergent and fixatives that are specially formulated for the dying process. Despite all of this pre-work, there is still loose dye in the fibers that will continue to be washed out for up to 10 washes. During these 10 washes here's what you can do to prevent dye transfer:
- use 1-2 color catcher sheets in each load each LH package comes with several color catchers to start this process, you can buy more from your favorite retailer - Binbata are my preferred favorite.
- wash with DARK colors - black/grey towels are my favorite
- NEVER let wet dyed items sit up against light/undyed items. Immediately once a cycle is completed, move items to a drying rack or to the dryer on low heat.
Acids are your Friend!
The dying process is a chemical reaction that uses the power of pH to adhere the color molecules to the fabric.
Using an acid such as distilled white vinegar or unscented downy rinse and refresh in your softener dispenser/rinse cycle can help further adhere the color molecules to the fibers.
To Heat or Not to Heat
One of the factors that can cause dyed items to lose their vibrancy faster is when they are dried on high heat. Choosing to tumble dry on No or Low heat or line drying your items can be a great way to protect vibrancy.
Realistic Expectations
It is important to know that regardless of what products or techniques are used in the dying process, natural fibers WILL fade with time.
Limiting the use of optical brighteners such as Oxyclean, avoiding chlorine bleach, and not drying items on high heat will help with longevity.