How to Dye With Citric Acid

Oranges are one source of citric acid.

Citric acid is a common food-grade acid often used as a preservative and for adding sour taste to food and drinks. Citric acid is also used with dyes to form a bond with protein fibers, which makes the dye colorfast. You probably have several forms of citric acid in your pantry, including vinegar and powdered fruit drinks such as Kool-Aid. To do a lot of dyeing, consider purchasing citric acid as a crystal powder from online sources.

Things You'll Need

• Large contain
• Fiber wash
• 1 lbs. yarn or fiber
• Acid dye
• Citric acid
• Rubber gloves
• Face mask
• Apron
• Heat-proof measuring cup
• Large kettle or pot
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoons
• Stove
• Clean towels

Instructions

Preparing the Fiber and Dye

1. Fill the container with warm tap water. For a pound of fiber, you'll need at least 2 1/2 gallons. Add a small squirt of the fiber wash and swish gently to distribute. Don't create a lot of suds.

2. Add the fiber or yarn to the container, holding it beneath the water until it is completely submerged. Let it soak undisturbed for 30 minutes.

3. Put on the rubber gloves, face mask and apron.

4. Measure 1/2 teaspoon of the acid dye powder into the heat-proof container. Add 1 cup of boiling water and stir to dissolve the dye.

Dyeing Process

1. Fill a large kettle or pot with about 4 gallons of tap water. Add a squirt of fiber wash, 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of citric acid. Stir to dissolve salt and citric acid.

2. Add the dye mixture to the kettle. Stir to distribute the color evenly.

3. Lift the yarn or fiber out of the container and gently press out some of the water. Add it to the kettle with dye. Stir gently to distribute

4. Bring the kettle to a boil over medium-high heat. The goal is to gradually heat the water to a boil and maintain it for an hour. Stir the kettle occasionally.

5. Check the kettle after an hour. If the water is mostly clear, the fiber has absorbed all the dye and you're done. If the water is still opaque, boil until the water is clear.

Finishing

1. Remove the kettle from the heat and cool it to room temperature.

2. Fill a container with warm tap water. Put on the rubber gloves and apron.

3. Remove the yarn from the dye pot and add it to the warm water. Swish around gently to rinse unabsorbed dye.

4. Remove the yarn or fiber from the rinse. Press gently to remove any excess water and roll it up in clean towel. Press the towel to remove more water. Hang the yarn to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• This procedure only works with protein fiber, such as wool, alpaca, llama, or silk. It does not work for plant-based fibers such as cotton or linen or man-made fibers such as polyester.

• For a less intense color, use less dye.

• If you are dyeing fiber, take care not to agitate it to prevent felting.

• Keep these pots and utensils separate from your cooking equipment. The utensils used for dyeing are no longer safe for food preparation.

References

• Kasel Chemicals: Applications Key Industrial Uses, Citric Acid
• "All About Hand Dyeing"; Acid Dyes; Paula E. Burch; 2008
• "Teach Yourself Visually Hand-Dyeing"; Barbara Parry; 2009
• Pro-Chemical and Dye: Immersion Dyeing on Wool using WashFast Acid Dyes