Scour

/ˈskou(ə)r/

To remove (dirt or unwanted matter) by rubbing with an abrasive or detergent.

What is Scouring?

Scouring is the first and often forgotten step in the natural dying process. The term refers to washing fibers with an abrasive detergent to prepare them before mordanting. This is done to remove layers of oils, pectins, dirt and other things that can block the mordant and therefor the dye from being absorbed into the fabric. Like most things in the natural dying world, there are many different ways to scour. There are also differences in technique depending on the fibers in use. Not all fibers must be scoured before proceeding, for instance, an old cotton T-shirt worn for may years would be fine without it. Most silk yardage bought also doesn’t require scouring, since it has already been heavily washed and “de-gummed” in the process of making it. Cotton yardage must be scoured before use, as well as wool. If it feels greasy, slippery, has a smell or produces a color when put in boiling water, it needs a scouring.

How To SCOUR Cotton:

I got this recipe from Graham Keegan and have had great results

1/2 a load of laundry

1/4 Cup Diastatic Malt extract

1 Cup Soda Ash

• Wash load with malt powder on warm, the malt breaks down the enzymes on the fabric, so it must be left wet over night.

• After letting malt sit on wet fabric, wash on HOT with soda ash

This process works great in a washer and is easy to do!