How Can I Make Fabrics Fire Resistant?
People have been trying to protect themselves, their homes and their clothes from fire since civilization began. Archaeologists discovered the Egyptians used minerals to makes their linens and cottons fireproof. In 1735, Englishman Obadiah Wyld discovered a solution to make fabric fire retardant with alum, iron sulphate and borax. During World War II, fireproofing reached its height and today many of the clothes and fabrics we buy are fire resistant. Making a solution at home to make your own fabrics and clothes fire resistant is a simple process. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Rubber or latex gloves
- 1 lb Alum
- 5 oz Borax
- 5 oz Boric acid
- Large pan
- Bucket
- Stick or large spoon
- Spray bottle (optional)
Instructions
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Alum Solution
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1
Put on a pair of rubber or latex gloves to protect your hands. Place a pound of alum into a large pan.
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2
Add one pint of hot water. If you have a large piece of fabric or clothing alter the measurements of alum and water accordingly To double the amount use two pints of water and two pounds of alum.
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3
Dip the fabric in the pan and ensure that the fabric is completely soaked in the solution. Take the fabric out of the pan.
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4
Hang the fabric up to dry, preferably outside or in a well ventilated area.
Borax and Boric Acid Solution
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5
Measure out a gallon of water and pour into the bucket. Put on rubber or latex gloves.
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6
Add 5 oz of Borax and 5 oz of Boric Acid. Mix solution with a stick or a large spoon. Make sure the solution is mixed really well so that you get even coverage over your fabric.
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7
Place the fabric into the bucket and make sure it is covered completely. Leave to soak for a few minutes. If you have a large piece of fabric or you are treating a sofa cover, or similar piece that can't be removed, transfer the solution to a spray bottle and spray the fabric with the solution.
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8
Hang the fabric up to dry outside or in a well-ventilated area. Wait 24 hours before using the fabric, or wearing the clothes.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you are still concerned about your clothes, fabric and furnishings being flame retardant, you can buy pre-made solutions in stores.
Remember that some fabrics are more flame resistant than others naturally.
Many soft furnishings are treated during manufacture to make them flame retardant.
Homemade flame retardant solutions will make clothes more fire proof but does not mean that they are completely resistant to fire.
Fire retardants will weaken with repeated washing, re-apply spray after a few washes.
Always wear gloves when using chemicals as they can be a skin irritant.
Keep children away from chemical solutions.
References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
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Comments
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I heard that it was like a crystal or mineral that made it fireproof.
