HOW TO CLEAN FIBER AFTER DIPPING IN AN INDIGO VAT

The fiber was in an alkaline environment in the indigo vat, which can be damaging to the fiber in the long term, so you want to make sure it’s well rinsed.

Cleaning steps after dyeing in an indigo vat:

- If you can not get to the rinse process below right when you get home, let your fiber soak in water - overnight is ok, even two days later is fine.

- Rinse the fiber in a container at least three times. The first wash should include a little pH neutral soap - like Seventh Generation Free & Clear or Dr. Bronners Baby Unscented Soap or Woolite. You will notice the color of the water getting lighter in each bucket as there is less unattached indigo left in the fiber.

You can also rinse directly under running water, but is not as efficient a use of this finite resource.

- OPTIONAL: add vinegar (a glug, maybe one-quarter of a cup) to the second bucket of water, to help reduce the pH from the calcium hydroxide, (which if left on the fibers can cause fading and discoloration) and can brighten colors. Soak for 30 minutes.

- OPTIONAL: final step is to boil the fiber for 10 minutes, to further fix the dye into the fiber improving colorfastness and lightfastness. This is for cellulose fiber only (not protein.)

- hang to dry out of direct sunlight.

Wash separately the first few times and always use a pH neutral soap. Store out of direct sunlight to maintain rich color.

QUESTIONS? Email Laura