Please note that vinegar will work to prevent bleeding only on dyes that are of an Acid type. Acid type dyes are not used on commerically dyed cottons. Most of the benefits from using vinegar are in removing any finishes such as starch or commercial sizings. The prewashing is what is having any effect on dispursing some excess dyes, and not actually setting the dye. If all of the excess is not removed in prewashing , vinegar is not setting the dye, since if it is a cotton and acid dye was not used. There is much mis-information on this subject. Acid dyes are used on wool.

This is the info:
Sometimes, non-dyers will recommend that you soak your new garments in salt or vinegar to "set" the dye. Unfortunately, neither salt nor vinegar can set commercial dye; the only value to the process is as an extra washing that helps to remove some of the extra dye. Retayne is far more effective, making colors last much longer, even after many washings.

Retayne is a dye fixative that will set most commercial dyes. It contains positively-charged particles which will stick to the negative particles of most dyes, helping to fix them in place in your fabric. Dyes that would otherwise bleed a little in every washing become safe in the laundry after treatment with Retayne. Retayne is extremely valuable for quilters who must make sure that their differently colored fabrics will not bleed onto each other when a quilt is washed. It is essential after dyeing with all-purpose dye, such as Rit dye, which would otherwise tend to bleed in the laundry. (It is not necessary for use with fiber reactive dyes, such as Procion MX dyes.)

There are two downsides. One is that the indigo dye used in blue denim cannot be fixed with this sort of treatment, because indigo dye molecules lack a negative charge for the fixtive in Retayne to stick to. The other problem is that cationic dye fixatives tend to increase the fading that is caused by bright light. Clothing that has been treated with Retayne should probably be dried indoors, not in direct sunlight. All dyes will fade if exposed to bright light long enough, but sunlight may fade them a little more quickly after they have been treated with a commercial dye fixative.

hope this helps to clear up some issues

As a chemist I rely on MSDS information (which I've read). When doing research, using credible sources is important. I would not necessarily accept a customer review as a credible source. It does make me want to dig a lot deeper than the cursory research that I started with. I may have to dig out some equipment and design an experimental procedure.

The point of not exposing to UV light is an issue with all fabrics. It degrades them all eventually.

BUT, if using Retayne you MUST wash in cool water thereafter or it will bleed again.

Yes once Retayne is used you should wash in Cool water. Once something is washed using Syntropol ( not a dye fixative) it must be washed in Warm water for each wash thereafter.

Also, you can use Shout Color Catcher in the wash. It deposits the color on the piece of whatever it is. You can use it several times. Might even have to wash it several times. Can get it at the food stores. Also, Joanne's has something like that and you can use the coupon for it.

Peg-TX

Also, you can use Shout Color Catcher in the wash. It deposits the color on the piece of whatever it is. You can use it several times. Might even have to wash it several times. Can get it at the food stores. Also, Joanne's has something like that and you can use the coupon for it.

Peg-TX

I had tried white vinegar in the first rinse, and it still ran. I was hoping that would do the trick since I didn't have Retayne. Although, I doubt that I used a cup of vinegar.

Now that is the way to go financially.THANK YOU!!!No shipping and handling costs either :thumbup:

Does anyone have a front loading machine? How do you add the Restayne? I don't want to make a mess. Thanks.

I don't know if you saw my earlier post. I have a front loading machine, so I just put some hot water in a stainless steel bowl, added the Retayne and the fabric. I let it soak, then put it in the washing machine to rinse.

Great information on this thread, as per usual on this board!
It is kind of a funny review for me, as my Mother is a traditional rug hooker and dyes all her wools to make her rugs. And may I add they are so beautiful.
I on the other hand like to dye my fabrics, 100% cotton, for some of my quilts and of course being a child of the 60's....I like to dye my tee shirts!
The processes and chemicals used are sometimes different. And sometimes the prcesses are the same....but never the dyes.
Certainly is an interesting subject on the thread....

A lot of very useful information, as usual from our friends on the board. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experiences.

Very interesting and useful info. Thanks all.

I found Retayne at WalMart recently and bought some. Thanks so much for the suggestions. I'll have it on hand in case I need it.

Wow it is a good thing you caught this. It is bad enough it happens when you are making something for yourself but for someone else yikes!!.

Well, once again I have learned a few
things from this thread. Thanks to
everyone who shared!! Hugs, Sharon

Lucky for you, now you will have a happy customer.

LOL
Now that was funny.
Strawberry milk. lol

I do, too, but some fabrics just keep on running. That's when you need to use Retayne or Synthrapol depending on whether they're hand dyes or not.

I'm sorry to have to say this, but vinegar doesn't always work. I gave up on vinegar years ago. Salt, too. That's why I buy Retayne, Shout color Catchers and Synthrapol.

I use SHout Color Catcher in the wash with all my colored clothes.

I have always used white vinegar to set dyes. Have never had a problem.

Too funny! :)