Easy Koolaid Microwave Wool Dye Technique

Step 3 Cool, rinse, spin dry

Let cool to room temperature or strain immediately in a colander over the sink. I have done it both ways, each work. Rinse with warm water.
Put the strained, wet wool in a mesh drawstring laundry sack or pillow case securely closed and spin dry further in the washing machine before laying out to dry completely on a rack. I use an old baby gate for a rack over the bathtub. It works like a charm! The wool dries a lot faster if you spin out the excess water in the washing machine before laying out to dry. Remember to use the end spin cycle only. If you are dyeing small batches, you can use a salad spinner to get more moisture out too.

Comments

[JohnMichael]

How is vinegar (acetic acidic) going to neutralize citric acid? Did I miss something?

[myrrhmaid]

Hi JM, No, you didn't miss anything! I have since learned it isn't necessary to use the vinegar too. I need to modify my instructions.. Thanks for the reminder!

[SallyOH]

If this is an acid dye technique, you need a mordant to help the fibers fully absorb the dye, and to set the dye into the fibers so that the dye is colorfast and will not run should the work ever get wet again. Citric acid OR white vinegar does that. I would advise anyone to use one or the other. It should be added after the dye begins to absorb (although I have not done the overdyeing in a microwave.) When overdyeing on the stove top, the wool and dye are combined in the dye pot for about 30 minutes, then the vinegar is added and all the color gets absorbed into the wool during the next 30 minutes in the dye pot. The heat distribution/temp in a microwave is different, so I am unsure as to the timing of adding the mordant agent. But I would definitely use one.