Maintaining Your Whites While Rinsing

Q: I am using an indigo vat but I find in the rinsing process the whites become tainted by the blue. Any suggestions on how to keep the whites white? Also any tips for washing in the machine and maintaining the whites?

A: I have four quick tips for you:

1. Rinse your pieces in fresh water (maybe add a lil dish soap and wash by hand) BEFORE opening (untieing or unclamping).

2. Rinse in COLD water literally AS you open the piece, gradually raising the temperature when the water rinses clear.

3. pH balance the work after first rinse by submerging into water with slight acidity (added vinegar, lemon juice, citric acid powder, black tea, etc).

4. Use washing machine on cold with mild soap the first time around. If it is a top loader, let it fill with water before the dyed goods go in. If it is a top or front loader use the maximum size load setting possible even if you are only washing a couple pieces. The excess rinse water helps keep the background clear.