Griffin Dyeworks & Fiber Arts

Understanding Mordants and Modifiers

Detergents

DETERGENTS

Description: Group of synthetic or organic cleansers with wetting and emulsifying properties
Other Names: Many proprietary brand names
Dye Use: Alkali modifier
Best On: Store-bought clothing
Dye Recipe: None known. All Detergents "see"’ nature dyes as stains and try to remove them. Detergents have built-in brighteners, whiteners, softeners and bleaches that create a molecular bond with fiber and draws iron and other minerals from water to deposit them on fiber, leaving little rust spots. Softeners also block dye absorption.
Safety: Read safety instructions on box or container
Disposal: Down washing machine drain
Alternative: Sodium lauryl sulfate
Source: Grocery store

CODES: c = cup; gal = gallon; lb = pound (weight); tbsp = Tablespoon; tsp = teaspoon / [AF] Anglo-French; [Ar] Arabic; [AS] Anglo-Saxon; [Dan] Danish; [Du] Dutch; [Fr] French; [Ger] German; [Gk] Greek; [It] Italian; [L] Classical Latin; [LL] Late Latin; [ME] Middle English; [ML] Modern Latin; [OE] Old English; [OF] Old French; [ON] Old Norse; [OS] Old Saxon; [Port] Portuguese; [Sp] Spanish; [Sw] Swedish / CE = Common Era; BCE = Before Common Era

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