Taking The Colour Away

I have often used dye to transform or freshen up clothing in my wardrobe.  Lately I've been experimenting with bleach - and taking the colour away. This brown stripey T-shirt had a pleasant surprise in store for me.

It was a little too dark for me, so I decided to experiment on it.  

Once the colour was stripped, a gentle terracotta stripe remained ☺   

This is How to DIY:

• Mix some household bleach and boiling water in the ratio of about 1:20.  
• Make sure there is enough to easily cover the shirt and allow for free movement, so that it would bleaches evenly.  
• Soak the shirt, stirring often. 
• Observe the colour change. Thoroughly rinse the shirt when you want the bleaching to stop. 
• (I was surprised to see the colour that remained behind, and am delighted with terracotta stripe outcome.)
• A simple process, and a 'new' item for my wardrobe!

Some bleaching hints and tips to bare in mind:

• There's no guarantee of the outcome.  Sometimes the colour will lighten, sometimes all the colour will bleach away, and sometimes you are left with an underlying colour. The fabric may even disintegrate if it is fragile.
• Keep the article moving freely, to make sure that it bleaches evenly.
• Use warm water.  
• Keep the time that the article is in the water to a minimum, as the bleach will weaken the fabric
• Be aware that the stitching often remains darker or does not bleach
• Protect the clothing you are wearing.  You don't want to accidentally bleach them in the process.
• Remember that bleaching patterned or striped fabric can give you an interesting result. 
• Cotton and linen work best.  Synthetic fabrics tend to keep their colour.
• What should you bleach? Clothing that has accidental bleach stains, tired or stained clothing, or clothing you would like to experiment with.

 

*The Clivias were from my garden - and they were bleached with a black and white filter for this article ☺