Optical Brightener
Brightens and whitens undyed fabrics. Causes white fabric to glow blue under blacklight. Commonly known in the laundry industry as "bluing," optical brightners breathe new life into vintage, yellowed & untreated fibers.
An easy-to-use formula, Optical Brightener can be used to dye fabric on the stovetop, in a washing machine, or using the soda ash batching method as in tie dyeing. It is a great start to any project requiring clean, bright whites, or for that radiating glow for a night out.
FABRIC/FIBER/SURFACES: All Natural Fibers.
SIZES | |
8 oz/0.23 kg | Item CHM2400 |
Instructions
For 100% natural fibers. Use 2-5% by weight of fabric. Results may vary depending on type of fabric.
Stove Top Instructions:
1. Fill a stainless steel or enamel pot with enough warm water for the fabric to move freely. Turn heat on medium.
2. Add Optical Brightener to water and stir until fully dissolved.
3. Add pre-wetted fabric and raise temperature to 180ºF / 80ºC
4. For cotton, linen and rayon dissolve 1 cup/237 ml of salt in a little hot water and add to dye bath. For silk and wool add ¹/3 cup/ 78 ml of white vinegar instead of salt. Avoid pouring directly onto fabric.
5. Maintain temperature and stir frequently for ½ hour.
6. Turn off heat and allow the dye bath to return to room temperature – stirring occasionally. Rinse when cool enough to handle – wear gloves as residual dye can stain skin.
7. Wash the fabric with a mild detergent in cool water and dry.
WASHING MACHINE Instructions:
1. Add Optical Brighter into washer with fabric and set to the longest, hottest, cycle. For cotton, linen and rayon, add 1 cup / 273g salt. For silk, add 1/3 cup / 78 ml of white vinegar.
2. Allow the cycle to complete and then wash in cold water using mild detergent.
Important Note: Some cycles begin with pre-wash flush; turn this function off or turn off the spin function to avoid premature draining of dye bath. Some washers may hold water in the outer tube at the end of a cycle; run a short wash/rinse cycle with a normal detergent after. .dyeing to wash away any residual Optic Brightener.
TIE DYE Instructions:
1. Thoroughly dissolve 1 cup Soda Ash per gallon of water. Soak fabric in the soda ash solution for at least 20 minutes. Then, wring out by hand.
2. Fold and tie fabric. Visit Jacquard’s website for pattern ideas.
3. Fold and tie fabric. Visit Jacquard’s website for pattern ideas.
4. In 1 cup of tap water, mix 2 or more teaspoons of Optical Brightener. Apply the dye to the fabric using a squirt bottle, paint brush or sponge. Turn the piece over and repeat the pattern on the opposite side.
5. Cover fabric with plastic wrap and let stand for 12 to 24 hours in a warm place.
6. For rinsing: While wearing gloves, rinse the dyed fabric first with cool water, then with increasingly warmer water. After 3 or 4 rinses, when the water is nearly clear, prepare a soap soak. Use 2 to 3 gallons of very warm tap water and 1½ teaspoons of Synthrapol®. The fabric should sit in this soap bath for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse 3 or 4 additional times with warm water, or run a hot wash cycle in the machine.