What's a better option for clothes dyeing: Machine or by Hand?

[hi-loswitch98]

I have been wanting to dye a pair of trousers for a while now but have wandered which is the best way to do it. Either Machine or by Hand.

THANKS FOR ANY REPLIES.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

I always did things by hand in a pail.

The dye instructions tell you that you CAN use a washer, BUT, I was always told NEVER to do this. Just me..............

 

[turbomaster1984]

What is it your dyeing exactly and which Dye do you intend to use?

Only when we know the answers can we comment.

 

[hi-loswitch98]

Sorry

I have a pair of H&M Slim Fit Trousers which are yellow & want to dye them a light blue. I thought the machine would be best but it looks like i'll have to pre-dye it first.

They are the Dylon dyes

 

[turbomaster1984]

I assume they are cotton or denim?????

OK

Blue on yellow will make green.


You first want to strip the dye out using a dye stripper as per instructions tell you on the packet.

Failing that a soak in a strongish solution of THICK household bleach aka Domestos etc (the soap in it helps).

Rinse absolutely thoroughly in the machine and re wash with powder to be absolutely sure.

Next add the Dylon to the machine as per instructions on the pack and run it on a 60 degree LONG cotton wash ~(dont be tempted to press the QUICK button). This will provide the heat needed to set the dye and the agitation to ensure an even dye.

When the machines finished re run a quick 40 degree wash to ensure excess dye is removed and to clear the machine.

 

[hi-loswitch98]

Thanks

Yes they are 100% cotton but I think instead of using the Pre-Dye I think I'll use the bleach method. Any idea of how much per how much water???

 

[turbomaster1984]

try about 150ml - 200ml of thick bleach to 5 litres of hot water!

Wear rubber gloves and use a wooden spoon to stir very gently. Soak for about 40 minutes.
If the dyes not removed try another bucket of fresh bleach water and soak again for 40 minutes.

Add the bleach to the water after the tap has run to stop it foaming up. Makes it easier.

 

[hi-loswitch98]

As I don't want to waste much water do you think I could use the A59' on the Hoover Washer as it does go up to 60c & spends about 2/3 wash actually washing & afterwards when I do a 40c shall I put the item in then or leave it out?

 

[turbomaster1984]

No do not ue the 59 minute cycle its not long enough and may not reach the actual temperature. The water use on that cycle is probably the most compared to an proper 60'c cycle anyway.

Yes leave the jeans in the machine for the 40 wash then they can be hung up to dry after.

 

[paulc]

As turbomaster1984 says

Definitely DO use the longest possible 60 deg cotton wash otherwise the dye just won't take and may be uneven, don't do more than a couple of items either. Also some dylon machine dyes require you to add salt too, check the instructions...the cheapest table salt will do.

 

[thekirbylover]

why dont you go and buy the trousers in the color you want

 

[hi-loswitch98]

Because they are expensive. £40 for one pair whereas the ones I want to dye only cost £7

 

[r2d2]

Remove

Be sure to take the garmet out as soon as the machine stops to prevent streaking. I would personally use color stripper fearing bleach may weaken the fiber. Adding salt or vinegar to the rinse helps to prevent crocking (color loss) in subsequent washes.

 

[turbomaster1984]

Kelly

The salt added to the dye solution at the start achieves the colourfasting thus no extra salt is needed even in a rinse.

Because our washers have heaters, low water usage and longer wash times dyeing is probably more efficient than the effects american washers can achieve.

The bleach is a personal preference. Ive had great results over the years using both methods with no obvious fabric deterioration - my sofa has removaeable cotton covers and its had that many colour changes yet still remains like new even after being bleached.