topic Re: Dying fabric? in Fashion

Dying fabric?

mima — Tue, 06 May 2014 22:01:52 GMT

I have several black tops that I really like, but they fade and look worn fast. Some are 100% cotton and some have spandex in them.

I have never dyed anything in my life. If I use black dye to freshen them up, will the black come off on me?

Will it ruin my washer?

Do you have any tips or should I forget it?

Oh, I have a high efficiency washer, so it doesn't use much water. Will the fabric be splotchy or will it be ok?

Thanks!

Re: Dying fabric?

DoneTryin — Tue, 06 May 2014 22:07:57 GMT

What I know from personal experience:

Follow the box or bottle instructions & the dye should not rub off onto your skin.

Usually the seam areas turn out darker; I suppose because those areas have double fabric.

You have to clean the inside of your washer quite thoroughly afterwards. Even then, I'd run few loads of rags or something until you're sure the dye's completely gone.

I have no experience with an HE washer, so don't know what effect, if any, the lower water volume has.

I think I'd test your least favorite shirt first, or something comparable in fabric & color.

All that said, I'd just put those in my "wear on weekends" drawer & get some fresh new ones to wear in public.

Re: Dying fabric?

DiAnne — Tue, 06 May 2014 23:04:05 GMT

I tried to dye some black jeans that had faded several years ago. It was not worth the effort as they did not look much better. That was before I had an HE washer so I had a lot of control on how long the jeans stayed in the dye, etc.

Re: Dying fabric?

muttmom — Tue, 06 May 2014 23:13:24 GMT

I've dyed a few black items and the dye does not come off on me. When I wash the items, I must do them separately as they are not colorfast in water.

I dyed them in a tub as opposed to my washing machine.

Re: Dying fabric?

ECBG — Wed, 07 May 2014 01:15:55 GMT

Hubby likes to redye his around the house jeans from time to time. We follow the directions on Rit liquid dye and always add white vinegar (rem egg dying) to help with the color. It does color the washer tub somewhat, and I wash a load of darks after. I'm not showing the inside of the washer to company so I'm not concerned, after all, it's a tool to use.

Re: Dying fabric?

ROMARY — Wed, 07 May 2014 03:36:34 GMT

Are there cold water dyes available now-a-days? Using hot water might shrink items, I'm thinking...........

Re: Dying fabric?

mima — Wed, 07 May 2014 13:15:45 GMT

Thanks all. Sounds like maybe more trouble than it is worth. My washer has a front window, so I don't want my washer discolored.

I think I'll skip it for now. Thanks again.

Re: Dying fabric?

ROMARY — Wed, 07 May 2014 21:29:24 GMT

A million/billion dollar idea would be cold water dyes (if there aren't any so far)............no shrinkage.

Re: Dying fabric?

Rock_chick — Wed, 07 May 2014 22:04:36 GMT

I've dyed items using RIT dye, follow the directions and use a cup of salt to "set" the dye. Once something purple came out splotchy but I dyed it again and it looks perfect now. I always run a cycle through with bleach afterwards.

Re: Dying fabric?

depglass — Thu, 08 May 2014 16:31:02 GMT

Years ago I used to dye tops a lot, like things I would splash bleach on or the color faded badly. I never used the machine, just a large stainless stock pot. I stuck to navy and black to cover and I don't remember any problems.

Re: Dying fabric?

ROMARY — Thu, 08 May 2014 17:35:41 GMT

I'm thinking that a very large pot (stainless steel) on stove top would be better. For dying small items. But be careful with the hot water/dye/pot. Come to think of it, I have a very large navy blue enamel steamer/drainer pot that I rarely use. And, also, I recall seeing very large aluminum pots, I believe on the top shelf in the International aisle in a supermarket? Or was it in our chain pharmacy? I'm wondering if aluminum will interact with the dye(s) though. I would read the instructions.