How to dye cotton black at home
Dyeing cotton at home so that it continues to delight in a new color is not as difficult as it seems. This can even be done with the contents of kitchen cabinets.
How to dye cotton at home: little tricks
Cotton fabric, like any of its natural “relatives”, does not really like testing with modern detergents and powerful washing machines. Due to improper care, cotton can lose its color completely or shed with spots. In this case, if the thing is dear to you, staining will help. Dry cleaners and some sewing shops provide this service and will return the dyed item the next day. If for some reason this option does not suit you, you can dye cotton clothes at home using a purchased dye or improvised means. There are several ways to bring your favorite thing back to life at home:
- brown things will regain their color if you soak them in a decoction of tobacco leaves (do not forget to do this in a well-ventilated area) or the shells of young (still green) walnuts;
- if the cotton fabric before the “catastrophe” was cream or golden, it can be restored with the help of ordinary black tea without additives;
- blue color to things will return a decoction of ripe blueberries or figs;
- cinnamon will return the dark beige and gingerbread tone of your favorite damaged blouse. You will need 100-200 g of powder (depending on the desired color intensity) and a liter of boiling water. Mix, let it brew for half an hour, pour the broth into a wide bowl, add a little warm water and soak the thing for an hour.
Pay attention to the folds: ideally, they should not be, otherwise unpainted stripes will remain.
If black cotton has become dull after repeated washings, you can bring it back to life with the help of dyeing. But the dye will have to be purchased – it is impossible to achieve a deep black tone with improvised methods.
Dyes are sold in hardware stores for use in a washing machine. It is very convenient and fast. You need to carefully study the instructions and follow them.
Be sure to wash your clothes before painting, the pigment will not lie evenly on the stained fabric. Dilute the dye according to the instructions, pour it into the drum and put the thing prepared for dyeing. Place the washing machine on an intensive boil wash. After washing, which should last at least 40-60 minutes, rinse the clothes in clean water with the addition of vinegar (this will fix the paint). Machine wash again at 30 degrees. Rinse and hang to dry on a hanger.
If there is an opportunity to give your favorite clothes a second wind, do not miss it. Modern dyes will restore color for a long time.