Here is another example of the red and white I love to use.
I have finally come up with a recipe for laundering reds that has not gone wrong on me yet. I start with a bowl of cool filtered water. I have a filter on my faucet. Most city water has chlorine in it to kill the germs. Unfortunately, it can also cause problems with letting reds bleed. If I didn't have a filter I would set the water out on the counter over-night. That would take care of the chlorine which will evaporate.
Next I add a small amount of laundry soap. Now here is the magic ingredient: white vinegar. I add about a half cup or cup (depending on how big my bowl is) and stir it into the water. Vinegar acts as a dye fixing agent. It will help keep the red from bleeding. I put the newly finished item into the water and let it soak overnight. When I get up in the morning, everything is clean and the white is still white and not pink. I allow it to dry in shape using pins if necessary or it can be ironed with a cloth over it to keep it from scourging.
This recipe has worked for me in the past. If you know of another way to keep reds from bleeding, please let me know. Since I love and use it so much I am always interested in other ideas.
I use a different method that I was taught from the people at Coats and Clarks. (After a disaster on a piece with a deadline
ReplyDeleteI rinse my piece in warm water ( baby bath warm is what I was told ) until the water runs clear. I just set it under the tap and let a small stream of water run into the bowl I have the piece place into until the water runs clear. Some pieces take longer than others. But normally 5- 15 minutes does the job. I haven't had a problem with my colors bleeding on my thread since I started doing this. And I too love the red shades.
Great idea. Thank you.
DeleteLois, I agree that it's frustrating when reds bleed. Thank you for your tip about the chlorine. I had no idea. I have a different trick. When I finish knitting something red, I place the red item (like socks!) in a pot of white vinegar. I let it sit for one hour, soaking. Then, I fill the pot with water (about twice as much water as vinegar) and bring to a gentle boil over the stove. Then I turn off the heat and let the water cool down naturally to room temperature. I then wash the item with really soapy water. It's important to get all the vinegar out of the item because I read that vinegar can cause the fiber to disintegrate over time!
ReplyDeleteAnother great idea. Yes, the vinegar needs to be completely rinsed out. Thank you, Jenny.
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