Rit dye powder

Universal dye powder for cotton, flax, silk, ramie, wool, rayon, nylon ... and other fabric based on natural fibers, animal or plant. Dyed hot. Colors can be mixed to provide other colors. 1 package of Rit dye to 500 grams fabric for a bright color, and more than a kilo for a pastel shade. RIT works best on many natural, washable fabrics such as...

RIT works best on many natural, washable fabrics such as...

• 100% cotton, linen, silk, wool, ramie
• Synthetics such as rayon, nylon and acetate
• Fiber blends with at least 60% cotton or other dyeable fiber (Blends will tint evenly but will not achieve full color)

...but there are fabrics that will not accept dye such as...

• Fabrics with 50% or more polyester content
• 100% acrylic, fiberglass, or metallic fibers
• Fabrics with rubber backing (bath mats or throw rugs)
• Fabrics with special finishes such as water repellents
• Fabrics with bleach damage or extensive staining
• Fabrics washable only in cold water or labeled "dry clean only"

If you are in doubt as to whether your fabric will accept dye, test a swatch.

1. Always follow manufacturer's care instructions for your fabric as well as RIT Dye package or bottle instructions.
2. Remove stains on fabric with RIT Super Stain Remover or RIT Color Remover before dyeing to achieve uniform color results.
3. Choose your colors. You can use one, two, three or as many colors as you like on one garment. However, if you use more than one color, it's usually best to start with the lightest color.
4. Be sure to use enough dye for the weight or size of the project. For example, for a pound of dry fabric (about 3 yards), use one package of RIT powder or 1/2 bottle of RIT liquid in 3 gallons of water.
5. Dissolve powder dye thoroughly in 2 cups of very hot water first to avoid dye spotting. Stir dissolved powder dye or well-shaken liquid dye into dye bath until evenly dispersed. Never pour liquid or powder dye directly on fabric.
6. For the deepest color, use a water temperature of 140ºF/60ºC.
7. When dyeing 1 pound of dry fabric of dark or bright colors such as Black, Dark Brown, Cocoa Brown, Navy, Purple, Aubergine, Wine, and Dark Green, use double the amount, or 2 packages of RIT powder or 1 bottle of RIT liquid, in 3 gallons of water.
8. For best color results when dyeing fabrics containing cotton, rayon, ramie, or linen, add 1 cup salt.
9. The longer the garment is immersed in the dye bath, the deeper the resulting color. Items can remain in the dye bath up to 1 hour as long as the water remains hot. You'll also have to make sure the item receives constant agitation or stirring.
10. Garments will take dye differently due to their fabric content and weight. For example, we've shown below the varying shades of tangerine when used on different types of fabrics.

1. Cover your workspace with a plastic drop cloth and/or newspaper.
2. Be sure to have sponges and paper towels on hand to wipe up spills.
3. Use plastic buckets or stainless steel pots for the dye bath. Don't dye or rinse items in plastic or in a fiberglass sink.
4. Clean containers and sinks immediately after dyeing by scrubbing with hot water and powdered cleanser or bleach.
5. Clean washing machine using highest water level with hot water, detergent and 1 cup chlorine bleach using complete wash cycle. Clean lint traps. Plastic or rubber machine parts may be tinted but will not stain laundry.

Care Instruction

For the first two or three times, wash your dyed item by itself in cool water with a small amount of non-bleaching detergent. Always wash your dyed clothing with similar colors in cool water with mild detergent. Dry cleaning silks and special fabrics is recommended.

Dyeing Techniques

Washing Machine

1. Fill machine with enough hot water for fabric to move freely. Refer to the chart below for the right amount of dye to add. Pre-dissolve powder in 2 cups of hot water. Add pre-dissolved powder or liquid to hot dye bath.
2.  Wet fabric in hot water. Uncrumple and add to dye bath.
3. Set machine for extended wash cycle. Fabric should be in dye bath for at least 30 minutes before rinse begins. (You can reset your washing machine before the rinse cycle begins for extended wash cycle.)
4. Rinse in cold water until water runs clear. Wash deep shades in warm water with mild detergent and rinse thoroughly in cool water.
5. Dry item in dryer or hang to dry.
6. Clean washing machine using highest water level with hot water, detergent and 1 cup chlorine bleach using complete wash cycle. Clean lint traps. Plastic or rubber machine parts may be tinted but will not stain laundry.

Stovetop Technique

1. Fill pot with enough hot water for fabric to move freely. Remember: Use 1 package of RIT powder of 1/2 bottle of RIT liquid dye and 3 gallons of hot water for each pound of fabric. Pre-dissolve powder in 2 cups of hot water. Add pre-dissolved powder or liquid to dye bath. Stir to mix.
2. Wet fabric in hot water. Uncrumple and add to dye bath.
3. Bring dye bath to simmer. Stir constantly (back and forth, up and down) at least 30 minutes.
4. Rinse in warm water, then gradually cooler water until water runs clear. Wash item in warm water with mild detergent and rinse thoroughly in cool water.
5. Dry item in dryer or hang to dry.
6. Clean containers immediately with chlorine bleach. Scrub with chlorine-based powder, liquid, or gel cleanser, if necessary.