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denim prewash to stop bleeding

kathryn | Posted in Fabric and Trim on

does anyone know good tried-and-true tricks to prewash denim so that it will be colorfast? i am pre-washing but it still stains other fabrics that it rubs against. thanks much, kc

Replies

  1. sanderson | | #1

    I dye wool and the method I used to make sure I've gotten out all of the unfixed dye is to first rinse in warm water and then I add a product called synthrapol to the rinse water. If there is 'loose' dye the rinse water gets colored and I repeat the process adding vinegar to the first rinse. I have heard of adding salt to the first rinse to eliminate unfixed dye. I haven't done this so I'll be interested to see what other answers you get. Good luck!

  2. Sancin | | #2

    I do one of several things. I use the dryer like sheets that are called colour catchers. They are made by Shout or Woolite. I use one sheet both in the washer and the dryer. A sheer sheet is quite dark when it has been used so absorbs a lot of dye. I occasionally use synthropol by have a hard time finding it where I live. But I have had a lot of luck simply using a white towel. I keep a supply of bar towels in my laundry room just for that reason. It is amazing how much colour they absorb. I started to do this with red quilting fabric and now use it with new dark or bright clothes. If I get a 'gut' feeling that all the excess dye is not out, I run the garment through several times. I have never had any colour migration since starting to do this. After using the towel I simply run it through a bleach wash and it is ready to use again, but I don't think the colour would transfer out of the towel.

  3. dionna | | #3

    Hi here's what I do I will buy 1/8 to 1/4 of a yard extra than I need for shrinkage then place the denim in the hottest water possible in the machine if I have time I will boil some water then I and a very small amout of soap and 2 cups vinegar wash and dry the hottest setting then for the 2nd and 3rd wash I add 2 cups of vinegar and wash and dry in hot water in the final 3rd wash I add small amount of soap

  4. dionna | | #4

    Hi here's what I do I will buy 1/8 to 1/4 of a yard extra than I need for shrinkage then place the denim in the hottest water possible in the machine if I have time I will boil some water then I and a very small amout of soap and 2 cups vinegar wash and dry the hottest setting then for the 2nd and 3rd wash I add 2 cups of vinegar and wash and dry in hot water in the final 3rd wash I add small amount of soap

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