Difference in prewash products.
 

Could someone explain the difference between Retayne, Synthrapol, Orvus and any other types of products

I can not, but I can tell you a cup of plain white vinegar in the washing machine with any temp of water is much less expensive and works just fine.

Simply put, this is the difference.

Orvus is a soap. It is actually made for washing horses (works great at that, too) but the quilt shop variety is relabeled Orvus Quilt Soap and the price is higher. Get it at Farm & Fleet and save some $$. It's just a chemical free, gentle soap similar to Woolite.

Retayne is used to prewash fabric before using it in anything. It sets loose dyes. Do not, repeat not, use it for washing fabrics that have been made into something or you risk setting loose dyes onto other fabrics.

Synthrapol keeps loose dyes suspended in the wash water so they do not settle on your quilt. It's pretty much the same as Color Catchers.

As for white vinegar, it does not work for setting dyes these days. It used to, but the dyes have all changed and all vinegar does now is get grunge out of dirty laundry. It no longer works on setting dyes and hasn't for quite some time now.

Good summary, Ghostie!!

And that Orvus is a wonder with the cattle ... we used it when showing our cows. After a few washings, their hair was sleek, soft and shiny! :)

wow, Ghostrider, that's a wonderful summary!!!!

Thanks Ghost Rider, this is good info!!!!!

Thanks - that was excellent information!!!

For all you quilters without livestock experience, Orvus is great for hair, too...people hair I mean. :o

You did a great job of giving an explanation. ... I do try to tell people a simple rule... Retayne prior to cutting/assembly Syntropol once it has been completed and Retayne was not use.

Great info. thank you