Dyeing prefolds - wash first?

[Gently]

Hi everyone - my first post! How exciting!

I've been cloth diapering for over a year and decided to treat us (my DD and I) to new prefolds. I want to dye them, and I have some Procion dyes and the instructions.

My questions are:
how many times do I need to wash these before I dye them?
and
can I use washing soda to "strip" them (I didn't want to buy Synthropol 'cause shipping is so expensive)?

Thanks!

[ma2maya]

Originally Posted by Gently

My questions are:
how many times do I need to wash these before I dye them?
and
can I use washing soda to "strip" them (I didn't want to buy Synthropol 'cause shipping is so expensive)?

My answers :

1) Once
2) Yes, sort of. I would not suggest using washing soda for your dye process. It would probably be o.k. for the wash but for your dye activator you should use straight soda ash. In general the washing soda that you get at the supermarket has other additives that can hinder the reaction process. You can get straight sodium carbonate at a pool supply store or places like lowes/home depot. In pool maintanence lingo it is known as ph-up.

If you have more ?'s don't hesitate to ask And as I always do... I recommend checking out the Tie-dyed.com forum . It is a great community of tie-dyers and dyers(new and seasoned) with a lot of info on dyeing.

Have fun!
Kathy

[jmreinke]

I would suggest buying Synthropol no matter what. It is not only used to strip them, but to really get all that dye out, esp. any red/fuschia colors, which are a real pain to get out. I buy mine locally. My local yarn shop has it, and I've seen it at quilt stores too. I personally would not dye without Synthropol.

[Gently]

Thanks Kathy and Janette!

I was thinking of using washing soda to wash the diapers (pre-dyeing), and pH-up (pool supply) for setting.

One wash is enough - I'll double-rinse to make sure there's no washing soda or soap left.

Oh boy - I'm nervous! :LOL

Thanks again!

[jmreinke]

I wash mine 2 times to break them in (normally all I do when making my diapers from non-dyed prefolds), and then a 3rd time with soda ash to make sure they are good and stripped.

Have fun!

[ma2maya]

I definately second Janettes suggestion for getting the synthaprol. It makes much easier in trying to rinse tough colors and makes the rinse process quicker.

Washing once in super hot water is good enough to get sizings/optical brighteners off your fabric, but if your PF are not yet worn, another wash can help make them more supple and easier to fold/work with and dye.
If you are not going to use synthaprol I will warn you against using laundrey detergent b/c many contain optical brighteners and other additives that can hinder dye reaction. Probably best then to use just straight soda ash for the scouring process.


Kathy

[RainbowTurtle]

ITA with Janette and Kathy.

The second (and third, and fourth... :LOL ) times are much easier!

Have fun!

Maylen