HOW TO CARE

Natural Dyed Batiks hung at our Dry Rack in our StudioNatural Dyed Batiks happil hung at our Dry Rack in our Studio


HOW TO CARE:

Natural dyes are different to modern synthetic dyes in many ways. Your Natural Dyed Batiks require some care in order to maintain their beauty and increase their longevity.

Ph Sensitivity

Many dyes are pH sensitive, meaning they will respond to changes in pH, which can result in the colour of the dye changing. Some dyes are more sensitive to changes in pH than others. This could be a disadvantage if it happens accidentally, as it may change the colour in the area it has come in contact with, leaving a mark or spot. Not all dyes are pH sensitive but it is best to be careful when handling acidic liquids ( citrus, wine, vinegar, etc. ) or alkaline liquids ( alka seltzer, hydrogen peroxide, calcium, baking soda, etc. ) around your natural dyed batiks 

What Detergent Should I Use? 

We recommend a fabric detergent that is eco-friendly/natural, free from chemicals & as pH neutral as possible. Kindly avoid detergents that contain lemon scents or oils, as these may change the colour of the dyes in the wash. Most health shops or natural based stores carry a variety of ecofriendly laundry soaps. You may need to experiment with a few before you find the one that works for you. 

Chemical Based Detergents 

If you are to take a risk and use a chemical based detergent it is quite possible that the ingredients will react with the plant dyes and potentially change the colour of your naturally dyed fabric. If you put your naturally dyed goods it in the machine of one colour it would result an entirely different shade due to chemical reaction.

Spot Cleaning                                                                                                   

If you do get a splash of food on your naturally dyed item, we recommend running it under the cold water and gently use your finger to try to encourage loosening the stain from the fibres. You may fill a basin with 1-2 tsp of eco-friendly detergent, place your item the basin and let it soak for 1-2 hours, wash at cold temperature


Washing Your Naturally Dyed Goods                                                                  

  • Machine wash at cold temperature
  • If you have two differently coloured items and both are naturally dyed, wash separately as the dyes may interact with each other and change colour.
  • Once your items have been washed, remove from the machine and give them a shake to straighten out, then hang to dry. 

Drying Your Naturally Dyed Goods: 

When drying your pieces, ideally you would hang them outside to dry. If you dry most of your items indoors, hang them to dry on a clothes rack, if you don't have a clothes rack a wooden hanger works well. Avoid laying flat or placing on radiators to dry, as they may develop marks where they are in contact with the metal of the radiators. Avoid drying your pieces in direct sunlight, if the sun is very harsh is may lighten or fade your colours considerably. If the sun is very strong, just make sure you turn the item frequently while it’s drying and take it out of the sun once it is dry. 

With a little bit of care and the right detergent you can keep your naturally dyed textiles looking beautiful for years to come.