How to Set Dye

It's happened to all of us; the stray red sock in the white wash. Or, the expensive Egyptian cotton towels that fade after the first trip through the laundry. There is a simple way to set dye in fabric and prevent it from fading or tinting other articles of clothing.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup salt
• Color-safe detergent

1. Select items of similar color, weight and texture for the wash load.

2. Set your washing machine to cold wash/cold rinse.

3. Allow your wash tub to fill half way with cold water.

4. Pour in the vinegar, salt and detergent.

5. Engage the agitator for two minutes to dissolve the salt and integrate the solution.

6. Add the garments one at a time to the wash cycle. This will ensure that each garment is equally and completely soaked in the solution.

7. Repeat until the wash water remains clear.

Tips & Warnings

• This method is particularly effective on acidic dyes such as those commonly sold in grocery stores.

• Start with a clean washing machine. Soap residue can build up in the crevices of your wash tub, and will act as a sponge, absorbing the dyes you are trying to set. These dyes will then be released during your next load washed on the hot cycle. To prevent this, run your washing machine on its hottest cycle with a full quart of chlorine bleach before you begin the dye setting process.

• If your garments are a particularly vibrant shade, double the amount of vinegar and salt used.

• For maximum effectiveness, work in several small loads.

• This method is effective only with 100 percent natural fiber fabrics, such as cotton or silk.