Dyeing Successes, Anyone?

[warmsecondrinse]

My job requires I wear solid colours to contrast with my skin tone. For me that's black, dark blue, and any non-yellowy green, light or dark. I sweat A LOT so my clothes are subject to frequent washing. The end result is a collection of clothing that is in near new condition but faded (very uniformly) to the point I can't wear them for work.

Because I sweat so much I wear mostly cotton and/or linen. As strange as it might sound, wash temps don't seem to have much affect one way or the other on the fading process. I've tried using Cheer and Woolite for darks. Using those definitely slow down the fading process, but that's it.

I've used Rit Dye in the machine with some success but it's temporary, lasting 8-10 washes at most. Again, wash temps don't seem to make nearly as much difference as one might suspect. There are a few problems, though. I've noticed that most black & dark blue garments have a red undertone as does Rit's own black dye. I counter this by using 1 or 2 packets of dark green dye for each 3 packets of black. I use straight hot water for all dyeing and have had only 1 or 2 garments actually shrink on me in the last 20+ years.

Is there any way to make the dyes last longer? Is there some secret additive I need to use?

Thanks,

Jim

 

[cfz2882]

added salt?

I thought I heard once adding salt to washload reduces fading-don't know how much salt or what form of salt is added...

 

[ptcruiser51]

Rit Liquid

I have had success with this. The instructions say to add 1/2 cup of salt, which I do. Just regular table salt. I always follow with a vinegar rinse, 1 cup per load. I also found it helps to wash stuff inside-out (don't know why). Make sure you agitate dye load for 1/2 hour, re-set timer if necessary.

 

[beekeyknee]

My Mom has a file card inside her laundry cabinet door. It says something about salt and turpentine. I'll have to read it when I go home for Thanksgiving.

 

[alr2903]

Jim try dyeing a pair or two with one box/bottle of rit, hot water and use a 5 gallon bucket for the solution. Leave the articles in the dye bath for at least 24 hours. If you have a place to drip dry, (outside for this project) do so. After the clothing is bone dry, run through a quick complete cycle no detergent and thru the dryer as usual. Sometimes fabrics with a small amount of "blend" other than cotton take much longer to absorb dye. This method will not make a mess in your washer/house. Best of luck. Art