Synthrapol is a pH-neutral liquid detergent specifically designed for textile dyeing. It is not a regular laundry detergent — it works with the dye process to help you achieve clean, even and long-lasting color.
Synthrapol is used in three stages: before dyeing, during dyeing and after dyeing. Each stage serves a different purpose and makes a visible difference in the final result.
BEFORE DYEING – Fabric Preparation (Pre-Wash)
Most fabrics contain factory finishes, starches and sizing and oils, waxes and residues. If these are not removed, dye results can appear streaky, patchy and uneven.
Synthrapol cleans the fiber deeply and effectively, much better than standard detergents, preparing the fabric to absorb dye evenly.
Washing Machine
- Use 45 ml of Synthrapol per 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) of fabric (60 ml for a full ~4.5 kg load)
- Temperature: 60°C / 140°F
- For cotton & other cellulose fibers: add 30 g washing soda (soda ash)
- Wash for about 10 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly
ℹ️ Synthrapol may foam strongly. If foam rises above 6–8 cm, simply reduce the amount slightly next time.
Hand Washing
- Use 30 ml of Synthrapol in about 4 liters of hot water
- For cotton & cellulose fibers: add 20 g washing soda
- Wear rubber gloves
- Rinse well in hot water
DURING DYEING – Helping the Dye Work Better
During dyeing add 2–3 drops of Synthrapol to the dye bath.
This helps the dye penetrate the fiber more deeply, achieve a more even dye result and reduces blotches and uneven areas
Especially useful for tie dye, ice dyeing, immersion dyeing and fabrics that are harder to dye evenly
AFTER DYEING – Cleaning & Color Stability (After-Wash)
Once dyeing or fabric painting is complete:
- Rinse the fabric first in cold water
- Wash for about 10 minutes using:
- 45 ml Synthrapol per 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) of fabric
- For silk & wool: use half the amount
- Water temperature:
- Cotton: hot water
- Silk & wool: lukewarm to cool water
- Rinse thoroughly in cold water
At this stage, Synthrapol removes excess, unfixed dye, significantly reduces bleeding and improves wash-fastness over time.
WASHING DIFFERENT COLORS TOGETHER
Synthrapol keeps loose dye particles suspended in the water, preventing them from re-depositing onto the fabric.
➡️ This makes it possible to wash different colors together (for example quilts or patchwork) without colors bleeding into each other.
Especially helpful for:
- batik
- tie dye
- ice dyeing
- projects with white or very light areas
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
- Synthrapol is pH-neutral
- Safe for silk and wool
- Unlike regular detergents, it does not damage protein fibers
- Works with all dyes, but is especially recommended for Procion MX