Name: Elizabeth
Message: Hello,
I've searched your site, and cannot seem to find an answer to my question. I've recently purchased a beautiful, rich purple, batik dye outfit, and I want to know how to set the color so that it does not fade through washing, etc. My sister thinks to maybe soak in vinegar before the first wash. I am hesitant to do anything until I have the correct information. The directions that came with the outfit say "hand batiked in Bali, 100% rayon, hand or machine wash, line dry to prevent shrinkage". There is nothing about what you might do to prevent fading. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Don't use vinegar; it won't help a bit, and might hurt. Washing in cool water and line-drying in darkness will help to retain color. Be sure to store the outfit in the dark, to avoid light-induced fading.

The only other thing that I can honestly recommend is a commercially available dye fixative called Retayne, which helps to seal the dye into the fiber. It can be used only on fabrics that can be immersed in water without being immediately ruined.

Retayne may be purchased from your local quilting supply shop, or by mail order from most of the companies listed on my Sources For Supplies page.

This is a frequently asked question, from the FAQ section of my website; see "How can I set the dye in the clothes I just bought?".


(Please help support this web site. Thank you.)