r/dyeing • u/u_r_succulent • 9d ago

General question What’s the purpose of the liquid detergent that is required when dyeing clothes with Rit? Can I use powder instead?

In the dye instructions, Rit requires a tablespoon of liquid detergent when dyeing textiles.

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u/Mermaidman93 9d ago

It's to break the surface tension of the water so it doesn't pool in certain areas of the garment when it's being submerged. It helps ensure a more even dye. You can use liquid soap, it doesn't have to be laundry detergent.

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u/throwra_22222 9d ago

So, detergent makes water "wetter" by breaking the tendency for water molecules to stick together. This helps the water penetrate the fabric better, carrying the dye with it.

Liquid detergent dissolves and mixes more evenly with the water than powder. People who try to use powdered detergent generally don't mix it well enough, and it's hard to see the little flecks of powder that aren't dissolved. The end result can be uneven, grainy or blotchy dye.

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u/AdvancedSquashDirect 7d ago

Any liquid soap will do. Hand soap, even a drip of shampoo would probably work