This Season
 

How to Fireproof Cloth using Alum

Fabric that is resistant to fire could come in very handy in some situations, such as in and around hot light bulbs. Here is a very easy way to fireproof fabric.

Related Searches:
    Difficulty:
    Moderately Easy

    Instructions

    Things You'll Need

    • 1 lb. of alum (potassium aluminum sulfate)
    • Hot water (about a pint)
    • Large bowl or bucket
    • Fabric you want to fireproof
    • Clothesline or drying rack
      • 1

        Prepare a solution of alum and water. Use 1 lb. of alum in 1 pint of hot water. Do not boil the water; just use hot tap water.

      • 2

        Dip the fabric into the alum solution. Make sure it is completely covered.

      • 3

        Remove immediately and hang it out to dry. An outside clothesline is ideal. Be careful not to drip on things like carpets and furniture.

      • 4

        After the fabric is dry it should be slightly stiffer than normal, but otherwise it should look the same as it did before you treated it.

    Tips & Warnings

    • Alum can be purchased in small quantities at a grocery store. You can find it in bulk for about $5 per pound. See the link listed in Resources for a place to purchase alum online.

    • Do not use this method to fireproof clothing, especially pajamas!

    • Always follow safety procedures when dealing with high heat and potential fire hazards. Fireproofing is NOT a substitute for fire safety!

    Related Searches

    Resources

    Read Next:

    Comments

    • scarletdreamer Aug 20, 2009
      Why is this not acceptable for clothing, might I ask?
    • idyroot Mar 14, 2009
      does anyone know where I can get about a pound of alum at dirt cheap prices not online? I've tried looking everywhere I can think of and I'm not having any luck. Wyatt left his science project to the last minute...

    You May Also Like

    • How to Fireproof a Cloth Material

      Eighty percent of all fires occur in the home. Many people have fire alarms and sprinklers installed in case of fire. Flame...

    • What Is a Fireproof Fabric?

      No fabric can be totally fireproof, as anything will burn given a high enough temperature. However, it is possible to treat material...

    • List of Fireproofing Materials

      List of Fireproofing Materials. Fireproofing is a very important part of keeping people safe and protecting their belongings. There are many different...

    • How to Make a Cloth of Any Kind Fireproof

      Fireproofing cloth materials of any kind -- from clothes to furniture fabric -- is essential for health and safety. Fireproofing clothes, for...

    • How to Fireproof Curtains

      Curtains aren't typically regarded as dangerous, but when it comes to fire safety, they can be. Their length puts them in the...

    • How to Make Your Gun Safe Fireproof

      Gun safes do not offer enough protection against fire. You can fireproof the interior of a gun safe as well as adding...

    • How to Use a Fireproof Storage Box

      Preparing for a fire is one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner or tenant. Storing your valuables...

    • How to Make Curtain Valances From Fireproof Materials

      Finding fireproof materials for your curtain valences is easy if you know where to look, although "fireproof" is bit of a misnomer....

    • How to Fireproof Wood

      Fire is always a danger to wooden structures. While methods of making wood almost completely fireproof are available, most of these involve...

    • Science Projects With Alum Powder

      Science Projects With Alum Powder. A specific group of double salts is known as alum. Double salts are made up of two...

    • How to Make Natural Fireproofing

      Fires can happen without warning and with little indication. A small fire can erupt into a full fledged emergency if you don't...

    • How to Get Clothes Treated to Be Fire Retardant

      Clothing that is fire retardant is not fireproof---but it is harder for the garments to catch fire. People in jobs where heat...

    • DIY Fireproofing

      When it comes to protecting your home and family from the devastating effects of a fire, even simple tasks like keeping up...

    • How to Fireproof Canvas Tents

      Older or well-worn tents may become damaged, or need a new lease on life. Fireproofing a canvas tent is a way of...

    • How to Make a Fabric Book Cover

      Use this book cover to "dress up" a paperback novel or any other book. Choose fabrics that are mid- to heavyweight.

    • How to Fireproof With Borax

      We use many naturally occurring fire inhibiters every day. Some of them are used to put out the flames while others inhibit...

    • How to Wash Flame Retardant Clothes

      Flame retardant clothes and sleepwear have been chemically treated to reduce flammability. Although they are not fireproof, the material is slow to...

    • How to Fireproof Canvas

      Canvas is an all-around rugged fabric used to make many things ranging from tents and tarps to duffel bags. Although canvas it...

    Follow eHow

    Related Ads