Name: Molly
Message: I hope this question isn't addressed on your web. I did look.  I want to dye a 80% cotton 40% rayon skirt. Washing instructions call for handwashing in cold water or dry cleaning.  I'm only familiar with hot water dying.  Do you have an idea for me?  Thanks

Yes, use only cool water fiber reactive dyes, such as Procion MX dye. If you can't buy this dye locally, buy it by mail-order from one of the companies listed on my Sources for Dyeing Supplies page. You will also need ordinary non-iodized salt, plus soda ash to fix the dye.

If you choose to do the dyeing in the washing machine, which is the easiest method for dyeing solid colors, protect your skirt by placing it in a large net bag such as is sold for machine-washing lingerie, and use the hand-wash or delicate cycle as well.

Do NOT use all-purpose dye, because it requires very hot water (ideally 190° F. = 88°C. or above) to make a reasonably good attachment to the fabric. This could be very bad for your fabric.

Rayon, that is, viscose rayon, not rayon acetate, dyes beautifully with fiber reactive dyes, even better than cotton does.

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