How to dye with Procion MX in a washing machine
What started as a pile of faded clothes on their last legs turned into a very pleasing Procion MX dye project! Among the mix were some favourite pieces—a pair of trousers and a dress I just couldn’t bear to toss out. Determined to give them a second chance, I decided to try a color-refreshing session to see if I could make a difference.
The items I worked with were made of cotton or a cotton-viscose blend, which are perfect candidates for Procion MX dyes. It’s worth noting that this dye doesn’t work well on polyester or acrylic fabrics. However, if the fabric contains a decent percentage of cellulose fibres like cotton, linen, viscose, Hemp or flax, you might still see some results. Sometimes dye sessions can be unpredictable as you can never be quite sure what is really in the fabric but in this case, I was really happy with the results.
Below is the process and the recipe for a washing machine dye session. What differs from dyeing in a bucket is that in general the quantity of soda and salt remain the same for a wash-load but the dye quantity alters depending on the weight of the fabric
Procion dyeing in a washing machine
Items needed-:
Washing machine
Measuring jug or jam jar
500g Common salt (About a cupful)
35g Soda Ash (About 2 heaped tablespoons)
The technique for dyeing in a washing machine may vary depending on the type of machine you have so you may have to refer to your washing machine handbook if you are unable to follow any of these instructions. Procion will dye well at 40oc-50oc. It must not be set to pre wash, as you don’t want any dye to drain out before the fixative has been added. The wash cycle should last for over an hour.
It is recommended that if you have not used Procion in your washing machine before that you should have a test run with something that is not too important!
For washing machine dyeing the quantity of salt and soda ash required is always the same as it is dependant on the volume of water but the weight of the dye varies depending on the dry weight of the fabric.
Dyeing with Procion MX in your washing machine-:
- Weigh your dry fabric. For each 100g of fabric you need
0.2 – 1g dye for pale shades, 2-3g dye for medium shades and 6-8g dye for heavy shades such as black and navy
- Make sure your fabric is free of any sizing, oil, dirt or other contaminants and if needed wash your fabric in 60oc wash in the washing machine.
- Take the required amount of dye and place in the bottom of a jug or jar. Add a little water to make a paste and give the mixture a good stir. Then add some warm water and make approx 500ML in solution. Mix thoroughly to make sure the dye has completely dissolved.
- Add the 500g salt in to the washing machine drum
- Add the dye solution to the washing machine drum
- Add the clean fabric in to the washing machine
- Turn on the washing machine making sure it is not set to pre wash and let it start its cycle
- After 15 minutes you should be able to see that your fabric has been evenly coated with dye and salt solution, however at this point the colour hasn’t been fixed so it would just wash out if you rinsed it.
- The next step is to add the Soda ash fixative. Dissolve 2 heaped tablespoons (35g soda ash) in to 1 litre of warm water in a jug.
You can either stop the wash without allowing the dye water to drain and add the soda solution to the drum or if your machine will not allow you to do this, you can pour the solution through the main powder drawer as the machine is washing.
As soon as the fixative is added you can continue with the main wash cycle until the end of the programme.
At the end you should have some neatly dyed fabric.
PROCION MX SAFETY IN USE RECOMMENDATIONS
All persons handling Procion MX should take precautions to avoid accidental ingestion (swallowing), inhaling of dust and skin and eye contact.
The Following recommendations should be observed:
- Wear rubber (or surgical type) gloves at all times.
- A full front covering apron or lab coat is recommended to protect against spillage.
- Safety spectacles with transparent sides will provide eye protection.
- Wherever possible avoid splashes and skin contact.
- If large quantities of powder dyes are to be dispersed or aerosol mists roduced, it is recommended that a filter pad-type nose and mouth mask is worn to avoid inhaling any dust or mist generated.
- Procion Reactive Dyes have been associated with cases of respiratory allergy by people handling them.
Generation and inhalation of dust, aerosol mists or droplets during handling should be avoided.
If an individual develops symptoms similar to hay fever or asthma, this person should seek medical advice.
It is recommended that people suffering from asthma or those with chronic chest disease should avoid handling these products.
FIRST AID MEASURES
Eye Contact
Immediately irrigate with eyewash solution or copious amounts of clean water for at least 15 minutes.
Obtain medical attention if ill effects occur.
Ingestion
Rinse mouth and then drink plenty of water.
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Obtain medical attention if ill effects occur.
Inhalation Procion Reactive Dyes have been associated with cases of respiratory allergy by people handling them.
Generation and inhalation of dust, aerosol mists or droplets during handling should be avoided.
If an individual develops symptoms similar to hay fever or asthma, this person should seek medical advice.
It is recommended that people suffering from asthma or those with chronic chest disease should avoid handling these products.
Firefighting In common with many organic compounds involved in a fire situation, dyes in powder form can produce flammable dust clouds in air.
If involved in a fire, like many organic compounds, noxious and toxic fumes may be emitted and self-contained breathing apparatus and suitable protective clothing should be worn in fire conditions.
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