| How to Dye Clothing Black Without Dye Posted: 24 Nov 2018 04:00 PM PST Natural dyes are a pretty way to add some color to your clothes. And while black is one of the hardest shades to achieve without artificial chemicals or dyes, it's totally possible with a little patience and experimenting. Whether you use acorns from the backyard or iris roots, the secret is soaking your fabric in a homemade fixative first. So dig up those old T-shirts and start dyeing! EditMaking Dye out of Iron and Acorns - Place 2 handfuls of rusty objects and of vinegar in a jar. Use items with iron that rust easily like nails, screws, steel wool, or bolts. The more rust on the objects, the more effective your dye will be.[1]
- If you don't have a glass jar, use any other large glass container with a lid.
- You can buy iron powder from an online retailer if you don't have rusty objects. Simply mix the powder into the vinegar.
- Fill the jar 3/4 of the way with water, then seal it. Make sure the rusty objects are completely covered so they'll soak properly. Screw the lid on tightly to prevent the liquid from evaporating.[2]
- You can use any temperature water, from cold to lukewarm to hot.
- Set the jar in the sun for 1 to 2 weeks until the liquid is orange. An area that gets direct sunlight and is very warm will work best. The water and vinegar mixture should turn a copper shade due to the reaction between the iron from the rust and the vinegar.[3]
- Good places for your jar include a deck, driveway, or windowsill.
- The orange liquid created is known as an iron mordant.
- Combine acorns with water in a large pot. Use of acorns per of fabric. For example, if you have of fabric, you'll need of acorns. Add enough water to cover both the acorns and the fabric.[4].
- Find acorns in any wooded area with oak trees or order them online.
- Weigh your acorns using a food scale or a regular scale.
- Use a stainless steel or glass pot. Copper or aluminum pots can react with the dye.
- Let the acorns simmer in the water for 1 to 2 hours. Place the pot over low to medium heat, stirring the acorns occasionally. This cooking process helps extract the natural color from the nuts.[5]
- A simmer often occurs between and has tinier, slower bubbles than a rolling boil.[6]
- Wet your fabric and squeeze out any excess water. Dip your fabric in water or run it under the sink. Wring it out thoroughly so it's damp, but not dripping.[7]
- Pre-wetting your fabric prevents splotchy coloring and allows the dye to spread evenly throughout the material.
- Add the fabric to the acorn vat for 20 to 45 minutes. You may need to lower the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Stir the fabric in the pot occasionally to make sure it's getting evenly coated.[8]
- If you're dyeing wool, avoid stirring it too much or you'll cause it to felt.[9]
- Combine the iron solution and water in a separate pot. This is what you'll dip the fabric in after you dye it. Use enough water to completely cover the fabric.[10]
- You can do this while the fabric is simmering in the dye.
- Remove the fabric from the dye and set it in the iron pot for 10 minutes. Gently swish the fabric around in the pot with a large spoon to make sure it's evenly coated. The reaction between the iron and the dye is what darkens and sets the color.[11]
- Use a stainless steel spoon to stir the fabric. A wooden spoon will be permanently stained by the dye.
- Alternate soaking the fabric in the dye and the iron to darken it. If you aren't satisfied with the color after the original 10 minutes is up, place the fabric back in the acorn dye for 5 minutes. Then put it into the iron mixture again for another 5 minutes.[12]
- Continue this alternating process until the color is dark enough.
- Wring out the dye and let the fabric dry for 1 hour before washing it. Hang the fabric in a sunny spot outside or lay it over a drying rack in the laundry room. This gives the dye a chance to set before you wash it.[13]
- Place an old sheet or a drop cloth underneath the fabric as it dries to collect any drips of dye. They will stain any carpet or nearby fabric.
- Wash the fabric with cool water and soap to remove any excess dye. Check the care instructions for your fabric. If it can be machine-washed, put it in the washing machine with a mild laundry soap and turn the dial to the cold water setting. Otherwise, wash the fabric by hand.[14]
- If you're washing it by hand, you'll know all the dye has been removed when the water runs clear and is no longer colored.
- Wash the fabric separately if you're using a washing machine so you don't stain other clothes.
EditUsing Iris Roots to Dye Fabric - Place 1 part vinegar and 4 parts water along with your fabric in a pot. This mixture will act as a color fixative to help the dye stick to the fabric. Use enough water to completely cover the fabric.[15]
- For example, for every of vinegar, you'll need of water.
- White vinegar works best for dyeing.
- Light-colored, natural fabric like pale silk or white muslin absorb dye the best. Avoid dyeing dark or synthetic fabric.
- Simmer the mixture for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Turn the stove on low heat, bringing the water and vinegar solution to a light simmer. Use a spoon to move the fabric around in the pot so the liquid seeps into every spot.[16]
- Vinegar has a slightly higher boiling point than water so it will take longer to heat up.
- Remove the fabric from the pot and rinse it in cold water. After letting it simmer for 1 hour, you're now ready to dye the fabric. Run it under cool water in the sink for 1 to 2 minutes, just to remove some of the vinegar.[17]
- You can also dip the fabric into a basin filled with cold water to rinse it.
- Don't worry about the strong vinegar odor. That will be removed when you wash the fabric after dyeing it.
- Combine 1 part iris roots with 2 parts water in a separate pot. Again, you'll want enough water in the pot to cover the fabric. If you use of iris roots, for example, pour in of water.[18]
- Dye can be poisonous so pick a pot that you won't use for cooking again.
- Buy iris roots from a plant nursery or an online retailer.
- You can soak the roots whole or chop them into smaller pieces to fit in your pot.
- Place the wet fabric in the dye and let it simmer for 1 hour. Over low heat, bring the dye bath to just below boiling. Stir the fabric every so often, making sure it's totally submerged and gets evenly coated in dye.[19]
- The bottom of the pot is the hottest so the dye is more intense there. As you stir, flip the fabric over so one area doesn't get darker than the others.[20]
- If you want to use your hands to mix the fabric in the dye, wear rubber gloves to protect them.
- Let the fabric soak in the dye overnight if you want a darker color. The longer the fabric sits in the dye bath, the darker black it will be. This will likely be necessary if you're using synthetic fabrics which don't absorb dye as readily.[21]
- Keep in mind that the color will get lighter once the fabric dries.[22]
- Cover your pot with a lid or place it out of reach of children and pets while it sits overnight since dye can be poisonous.
- Wash the fabric with cold water and detergent, then let it dry. Look at the tag on the clothing to see if your item can be machine-washed or tumble-dried. If there's no tag, err on the side of caution and hand wash your fabric using cool water and a mild soap. Then toss it in the dryer or hang it up outside.[23]
EditThings You'll Need EditIron and Acorn Dye - Fabric
- 2 handfuls of rusty items
- of white vinegar
- Water
- Acorns
- Large jar with a lid
- 2 large pots
- Spoon
- Clothesline or drying rack
- Washing machine (optional)
EditIris Root Dye - Fabric
- Iris roots
- Vinegar
- Water
- 2 large pots
- Spoon
- Clothesline or drying rack
- Washing machine (optional)
- Never cook with a pot that's been used for dyeing, as it can be poisonous.
- If you accidentally ingest dye, call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.
- Wear rubber gloves when handling dye if you have sensitive skin.
- Dye can permanently stain other fabrics so wear old clothes or put down drop cloths when you're dyeing.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Make Fondant Flowers Posted: 24 Nov 2018 08:00 AM PST Have your cake and decorate it too with beautiful blooms made of fondant. Fondant is a type of edible frosting that's thicker than your usual icing, so it's perfect for sculpting gorgeous cake decorations. To try it yourself, shape roses or carnations by hand or, if you want an easier method, use a mold to make the prettiest petals. EditShaping Fondant Carnations - Roll the fondant into a flat sheet that's thick. Use a rolling pin to flatten the fondant, applying gentle pressure as you move the pin back and forth to make sure the entire fondant is an even thickness.
- You can use any color fondant you want for your carnation.
- To prevent the fondant from sticking to the rolling pin or work surface, dust both the surface and the rolling pin with a little cornstarch before you begin, or apply a thin layer of shortening.
- Cut out 5 circles in different sizes. Use fondant cutters or cookie cutters to form your circles from the flattened fondant. Start with the largest circle, which will be the base of your flower. Then make a slightly smaller circle, continuing to decrease the size for each of the remaining 3 pieces.[1]
- Adjust the diameter of the circles as needed to create smaller or larger flowers.
- For fuller flowers, cut out more than 5 circles.
- If you don't have fondant or cookie cutters, you can use anything that has a circular shape, like the bottom of a drinking glass. Press it into the fondant and cut around it with a knife.
- Roll a toothpick around the edges of each circle to create ruffles. Press the length of the toothpick lightly into the fondant. Rock it back and forth, moving it around the perimeter of the circle. This causes the fondant to curl up into a ruffled edge. Repeat on all 5 circles.[2]
- Be careful not to press too hard so you don't cut through the fondant with the toothpick. You just want to make an indentation.
- Some bakers choose to lay their fondant on a foam shaping mat during this step. It provides a little cushioning for the flowers to prevent them from ripping or sticking to the counter.
- Press the largest circle into a fondant forming cup. This will be the bottom of your flower. Set it in the fondant forming cup so that the edges curl up slightly, giving you a nice curved shape instead of a flat flower.[3]
- You can use a small ramekin or even an empty egg carton instead of fondant forming cups.
- If you're worried about the fondant sticking to the cups, sprinkle some cornstarch on the inside of the cups first.
- Brush water onto the circle with a small paintbrush. The water will act like glue to hold the flower together. Use just enough water to dampen the top of the fondant. Avoid soaking it through or using so much water that it puddles in the center of the circle.[4]
- Don't use a paintbrush that has been used for paint or any other toxic substances. Buy a brand new one that hasn't been contaminated.
- Place the 4 other circles on top, brushing water in between each layer. Arrange the 4 circles in decreasing size order so that the smallest circle is the last layer. Use a dab of water between each of the fondant circles to "glue" them together.[5]
- Press down lightly on each layer as you set it in the fondant cup to adhere it securely to the previous circle.
- Let the flowers dry for 24 hours before using them. Place the flowers in a dry, room temperature spot to harden. The drier the flowers are, the better they'll hold their shape.[6]
- Store any flowers you aren't using right away in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.[7]
EditMaking Fondant Roses - Roll the fondant into a rectangular shape that's thick. You want the fondant to be thin enough that the flowers don't look clunky, yet thick enough that it won't rip when you're forming the petals. Use a rolling pin with gentle pressure to evenly spread out the fondant on a flat surface.[8]
- Spread a layer of shortening or sprinkle cornstarch onto your surface if you want to prevent the fondant from sticking.
- Use pink or red fondant for realistic roses. However, you can use any color you'd like.
- Trim the edges with a knife to create your rectangle, if necessary. bag of mini marshmallows
of water
of powdered sugar
Directions:
1. Melt the marshmallows and the water in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.
2. Blend the powdered sugar into the marshmallows with an electric mixer or a spoon.
3. Knead the dough on a flat surface for about 7 minutes until it's shiny and soft. If it's too dry, add of water at a time.
4. Wrap the ball of fondant in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.[9]}} - Cut a strip of fondant that's wide. The length of the strip doesn't matter but the width shouldn't be more than or the rose will be too chunky. A butter knife will be sharp enough to slice through the fondant.[10]
- Cut as many strips as you want roses. Each strip makes 1 rose.
- Fold the strip in half lengthwise. Line up the long edges of the fondant to make sure you fold the piece exactly down the center. Don't smash the 2 sides together. Just rest them on top of each other so you can still see the crease between them.[11]
- If you're having trouble folding the fondant, you may have a piece that's too thin. Re-cut a wider strip.
- Roll the strip up, pinching the bottom to form a cone shape. Keep the open edge facing up. Squeeze the bottom of the folded strip between your thumb and forefinger as you roll so it tapers down into a slight point.[12]
- The tighter you roll your strip, the smaller your rose will be.
- If you wind up with extra fondant at the bottom, simply pinch it off with your fingers.
- Brush a little bit of water along the strip before you begin rolling if you want the rose to hold its shape better. The water acts as glue.
- Set the roses in a room temperature spot to dry for 24 hours. Don't use the roses immediately to decorate a cake or they'll fall apart or become misshapen. Letting them dry first will harden them into their flower shape.[13]
- If you aren't using your roses right away, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for no more than 2 weeks.
EditCreating Fondant Flowers with a Mold - Dab cornstarch into each of the molds with a small paintbrush. The cornstarch will prevent the fondant from sticking to the mold. Use a brand new paintbrush that hasn't been used before, so there aren't any harmful paint chemicals on it.[14]
- Be sure to coat every little crevice in the mold.
- If there's a lot of excess cornstarch in the mold, flip it over and tap it gently to remove the extra powder.
- Break off a piece of fondant that's about the same size as your mold. If you're using a very small flower mold, you'll need a smaller piece. Don't worry if it's not exact; you just need enough fondant to at least fill the mold.[15]
- If you want, you can roll the fondant out into the size of your mold. It may make it easier to press the fondant evenly into the mold later on, but it isn't necessary.
- Press the piece of fondant into the mold, filling it completely. Use your fingers to firmly push down on the fondant, making sure you get it into every nook and cranny. It's okay if your fondant spills out over the mold. It's better to overfill it than underfill it.[16]
- If your piece of fondant doesn't fill the entire mold, break off more fondant and press it on top of the original piece.
- Shave off any extra fondant from the mold using a knife. Use a sawing motion to work the knife carefully along the top of the mold, pulling away the excess fondant with your fingers as you go. This should smooth out the fondant inside the mold.[17]
- If you don't flatten the top of the mold (which will be the bottom of the flower), you'll have trouble sticking the finished flower to a cake or cupcake.
- You can use an icing spatula instead of a knife.
- Place the filled molds in the freezer for 20 minutes. This hardens the fondant so that it's easier to remove from the molds. Set the flowers on a shelf where they'll sit flat and won't be disturbed.[18]
- Set a kitchen timer or use the clock app on your phone to keep track of the time.
- Remove the molds from the freezer and pop the flowers out of the mold. They should come out easily. Work quickly so that the flowers don't warm up in the molds, making it more difficult to get them out cleanly.[19]
- Be careful with the flowers when you're removing them. They aren't completely dry yet, so too much force could alter their shape.
- If the fondant won't come out of the mold, leave it in for a little longer before trying again.
- Let the flowers dry for at least 24 hours. Set the flowers in a room temperature spot to harden. If it's too warm, the fondant won't dry as well, or the flowers will lose their shape.[20]
- Keep any flowers you aren't using immediately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
EditThings You'll Need EditFondant Carnations - Rolling pin
- Circular fondant cutters or cookie cutters
- Toothpick
- Fondant forming cups
- Small paintbrush
- Foam mat (optional)
- Airtight container (optional)
EditFondant Roses - Rolling pin
- Knife
- Airtight container (optional)
EditMolded Fondant Flowers - Fondant mold
- Spatula
- Icing spatula (optional)
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Airtight container (optional)
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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| How to Clean Dishwashers Posted: 24 Nov 2018 12:00 AM PST Dishwashers are a popular appliance because of how effortlessly they clean dishes, but they also need to be cleaned out on occasion too. Wash your appliance with soap and water to prevent stains. The drain, filter system, and rinse arm need to be scrubbed free of solid material so they continue to work properly. You can then use vinegar and other solutions to eliminate tough stains and odors. If your dishwasher is underperforming, a thorough cleaning can make it efficient again. EditRinsing with Soap and Water - Mix dish soap and water in a bucket. You can use your regular dish soap to give the dishwasher a routine rinse. Stronger soaps designed to cut grease are helpful if the machine has tough stains or caked on solids. Fill the bucket with warm water, then stir in about of soap until the water is nice and sudsy.[1]
- You can also try glass cleaner. Glass cleaner works best on stainless steel surfaces.
- Wipe grime and fingerprints off the outside with a paper towel. Dampen a paper towel, soft cloth, or sponge in the soapy water. Wring out excess moisture to avoid leaving a mess on the floor. Then, scrub and dry the door frame. Be sure to pay extra attention to the corners and handle, which may accumulate plenty of hidden grime.[2]
- Avoid splashing lots of water or glass cleaner on the door. Many dishwashers have electronic components that can be damaged by excess moisture. Apply the cleaning solution to a cloth or sponge first.
- Wash the racks and utensil caddies in the sink. If you use your dishwasher regularly, chances are you will see solids coat these surfaces at some point. Slide the racks out from the door and lift them to remove them from their tracks. Pick up the utensil holders to remove them as well. Use paper towels to clean off any food particles, then finish cleaning the components with soap and hot water.[3]
- If you neglect these parts, they will quickly dirty up your dishwasher no matter how well you clean its insides. Wipe them down regularly to keep the drain clean.
- Wipe down the drain to remove solid matter and grease. Locate the drain on the dishwasher's floor. Solid debris and grease lead to big problems if they are allowed to accumulate. Use paper towels to wipe away as much as you can from the drain. Follow up by rinsing off the remainder with soap and water.[4]
- Anything from tomato chunks to shells and broken glass can block the drain. Get rid of them as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage to your pipes or dishwasher.
- Clogs are often responsible for slow-draining dishwashers. Wiping the drain periodically can save you a call to a plumber.
- Wash the dishwasher's walls and inner door. Like with the dishwasher's base, remove solid debris from the sides first. After taking away as much as you can with paper towels, rinse the remaining surfaces with soap and water.[5]
- Tougher stains on the walls may require additional treatment, such as from a wash cycle with vinegar or baking soda.
- Scrub had to reach areas with a brush. The areas around the door, such as along the corners and around the hinges, can collect plenty of grime. A kitchen brush will work well, but if you don't have one, you can also use an old toothbrush. Dip the brush in the bucket of warm, soapy water and use it to eliminate any remaining debris.[6]
- Water may not reach these areas when you run the dishwasher. The only way to clean them out is to pay close attention when cleaning the dishwasher by hand.
- Rinse off any soap with clean water. Remove all dish soap before operating the machine. Dampen a clean cloth or paper towel under running water, then wipe down all the surfaces and components you washed. Your dishwasher will look much cleaner already.
- Dish soap can clog up the dishwasher's components, so play it safe by rinsing off as much of it as you can.
EditScrubbing Rinse Cycle Components - Unscrew the filter system if your dishwasher has it. Filter systems differ from dishwasher to dishwasher, but they are all located on the dishwasher's base. Look underneath the rotating spray arm. You may see a large, gray disk with a smaller cylinder sticking out of it. Twist the cylinder counterclockwise to remove it, then do the same with any parts underneath it.[7]
- Most filter systems consist of several interlocking parts. Check your owner's manual for precise instructions on how to remove them.
- The filter grinds up larger food scraps so they don't get caught in the drain. This means the filter can easily get clogged and start to stink, so check it often to keep it in working order.
- Scrub the filter parts with a brush under warm water. Rinse each part off individually in the sink to remove as much solid matter as possible. Wipe the components down with a paper towel or sponge, then check them over for remaining debris. You may still notice clogs from smaller particles like dirt and coffee grounds. Use a kitchen brush or old toothbrush to knock this debris off the filter.[8]
- If you have a faucet or hose with a strong spray setting, make use of it to eliminate debris in tough to reach areas.
- Remove the spray arm from the dishwasher and rinse it. Even if your dishwasher doesn't have a separate filter, it will have a spray arm. Look in the center of the floor. The sprayer looks like a plastic propeller blade. All you have to do is lift it up to pop it off of its moorings. Then, clean it off under warm water in the sink.[9]
- Wipe away any food particles you see so they cannot clog the sprayer's holes.
- Clear the spray arm's holes with a toothpick. The series of holes on top of the spray arm disperse water into the dishwasher's compartment. You may also see another hole on the underside that shoots water into the filter. These holes can get clogged sometimes, so you will need to pick out the food particles before reinstalling the sprayer and filter.[10]
- You can also use hanging wire or wood skewers to clear the holes.
- If your dishes don't seem to get very wet or clean when you operate the dishwasher, a clogged spray arm may be the cause.
EditRemoving Tough Stains and Odors - Place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack. Put the dish racks and other components back in the dishwasher if you took them out for cleaning. Then, choose a dishwasher-safe container such as a bowl or measuring cup. Fill it with up to of vinegar for a safe and efficient way to give your dishwasher a deep cleaning.[11]
- Vinegar is effective at removing stubborn grease and grime as well as bad odors. Try using it if you can't get your dishwasher pristine with soap and water alone.
- You can also use store-bought cleaners. Many liquid additives are stronger than vinegar and more effectively treat mineral discolorations.
- Run a rinse cycle using the hottest water setting possible. Close the dishwasher door and set it for a normal cycle. The hot water will dilute and disperse the vinegar, giving your dishwasher more of a shine. When the cycle ends, let the water drain, then check to see how clean your dishwasher looks.[12]
- You may need to run the dishwasher through multiple cycles before it is completely clean and odorless. Add more vinegar as necessary.
- Sprinkle baking soda on the dishwasher floor for additional cleaning. Baking soda is an effective way to remove tough stains and odors left over after a vinegar wash. Distribute 1 cup (180 g) of baking soda evenly over the bottom of the dishwasher. Pull the dishwashing racks and caddies out so you can spread the baking soda, but don't remove them.[13]
- Baking soda is slightly abrasive, so it will clear up any food particles remaining in the dishwasher.
- Set the dishwasher for a short cycle with hot water. Since baking soda is abrasive, avoid using it in longer rinse cycles. For a thorough cleaning, use the hottest water setting possible. When the cycle ends, the dishwasher may be spotless and odorless.[14]
- If the dishwasher still isn't clean, you may need to use a stronger cleaner. More vinegar, lemon juice, or a commercial cleaner can help. Avoid using more baking soda.
- Spread bleach on the dishwasher's floor to get rid of moldy stains. Ugly green, brown, or black spots are signs of mold. Vinegar and baking soda may not be enough to cleanse them. Instead, pull out the dish racks so you can access the dishwasher's interior. Distribute of bleach evenly across the floor, then put the racks back into position.[15]
- If your dishwasher is stainless steel, avoid using bleach! Bleach will cause serious damage. Instead, scrub the spots off with plenty of warm water, soap, and commercial cleansers.
- Use no more than of bleach at a time. Be careful, since bleach is caustic and the fumes are unpleasant to breathe in.
- Run the dishwasher on a normal, full cycle to finish cleaning it. Close the door and turn on the dishwasher. Set it for a medium-length wash cycle using hot water. The water will dilute the bleach so it doesn't damage your dishwasher's interior.[16]
- Bleach is the most effective way of eliminating mold and mildew spores. Have some available in case vinegar and baking soda do not work.
- Never mix bleach with vinegar. Combined, the products create toxic chlorine gas. Use each cleaner separately, rinsing out the dishwasher each time.
- Space your dishes out properly in the dishwasher. Make sure the water can reach all surfaces evenly.
- Pretreat heavily soiled dishes by rinsing them and adding a little liquid dishwashing detergent.
- Scrape away as much solid food and grease as possible before putting a dish in the dishwasher. This will reduce the likelihood of serious clogs in your machine and pipes.
- Run the garbage disposal before turning on the dishwasher. They both connect to the same drain pipe. Any food in the disposal can end up in the dishwasher if it isn't drained first.
- Turn on the hot water in the sink before starting a wash cycle. This will drive cold water out of the pipes, helping your dishwasher run more effectively.
- If you hear a thumping noise, check the rinse arm to see if it is hitting a dish. It can break or break your dish if you don't adjust it.
- Cleaning products like vinegar, baking soda, and bleach can be corrosive in large doses. Use them sparingly with the proper wash cycle settings.
- Sharp or rough objects can scratch your dishwasher and cause rust. Scrub with paper towels, soft cloths, and sponges.
- Mixing vinegar and bleach is dangerous. Some dishwashing detergents contain bleach, so do not use detergent while washing with vinegar.
EditThings You'll Need - Bucket
- Liquid dish soap
- Paper towels, soft cloths, or sponges
- Sink
- Water
- Kitchen scrub brush or old toothbrush
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Bleach
EditSources and Citations
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