Dye for clothes

(Part of this information is from the book Lavado y Cuidado de Ropa y textiles, Lourdes Sousa, Esdai)

Whether or not the color remains in the garment primarily depends on dye: the quality, how it was applied, what process was used to create the patterns. Every fabric has some dyes that are more suitable for it. For example, a dye that works for cotton might not be appropriate for wool or silk. In the factories, after the fabrics are woven, they are put through a coloration process in ovens with infrared rays.

Other factors affect the color of the garment once already in use. Solar rays can cause damage, so it´s not a good idea to hang clothes to dry in the sunlight. It´s fine to air dry them, but better in the shade. Washing also plays its part. A way of assuring 100% that the clothes won´t lose their color is to wash them in cold water.
Today it´s possible to find high quality dye for clothes in most supermarkets. When buying, it´s important to pay attention to the shade of the dye and its suitability for the clothes you want to color. Logically, you have to dye at least a shade darker than the current color of the garment. Some garments are not worth dyeing if they´re old or worn-out. Even a good dye can´t restore spent fabric to good condition. Also, remember that the clothes to be dyed need to be clean.

Generally, the instructions for the dyeing process come written on the box when you buy the dye. You can dye either manually, with a bucket of water, or in the washing machine. I would advise using the washer, since the mechanical motion assures that the color sets better. The dyeing instructions tend to call for two washings without prewashing. In the first round, you add the dye and a kilogram of cooking salt and wash at 60 °C (140 °F). The second time around you simple wash the garment with a little bit of detergent. I suggest adding a little vinegar (you can pour it in where you would put the fabric softener) because it helps the colors set.

Traslated by K.P (EEUU)