MOST IMPORTANT:

Your laundry detergent can wash out the cyanotype print.

Do not use detergents with these ingredients:

• Phosphates
• Alkaline chemicals
• Bleach sodium
• Borax
• Oxyclean
• Washing salts
• Baking soda
• Washing soda

Safe Detergents:

• Ingredients like sodium bicarbonate, vegetable-based surfactants, coconut-derived cleaners
• Labels like "free & clear", "baby safe", or "gentle"
• Brands: Earth Wash Sheets, ECOS Free & Clear, Seventh Generation Free & Clear, Dr. Bronner’s (diluted), Eucalan (for delicates), The Laundress (Delicate Wash)

Other washing tips:

• keep washing to a minimum! Don’t wash it unless you absolutely need to. This is good for all clothing, and for the environment. 
• Turn cyanotype clothing inside out to protect the print. 
• Handwashing is better, especially if you use washing machines that may have residues of laundry detergent, bleach, etc. in them that may mess with the image on your clothing.
• If you use a washing machine, use cool water temperatures, and consider running a cycle with other laundry and an approved detergent listed above to reduce residue from previous washes that could harm your clothing prior to putting your cyanotype clothing through the machine.

• Air drying is best
• If you need to tumble dry, dry alone on low heat.
• Don’t dry in direct sunlight. 
• If ironing is needed-- flip garment inside out and use low heat on the reverse side of the print
  

• Cyanotype is a UV photographic process and like all art is light sensitive.
• Avoid direct sunlight when drying or storing. Cool, dark places are best for storage to avoid excessive fading

If your piece fades significantly or you’d like a reprint or touch-up down the line, reach out! I offer limited restoration options and am always happy to chat about custom updates.

If your cyanotype fades over time, you can try these things yourself to restore the print: 

• Washing the print in a dilute bath of hydrogen peroxide can usually restore it to its original intensity (1:10 ratio of hydrogen peroxide:water).

1. Ecos Laundry Detergent (Free & Clear

• pH-neutral
• No optical brighteners
• Plant-based and gentle on fabric

2. Seventh Generation Free & Clear

• No dyes or brighteners
• Mild surfactants
• Available in many stores

3. Soak Wash (unscented or scentless options)

• Designed for delicate fabrics and fiber art
• No rinsing needed (very gentle)
  

4. Earthwash Detergent Sheets

• Sustainable — no plastic
• phosphate, bleach, brightner free
• Does contain SDS, so it could slightly fade over time, but even just water will make it fade over time. Only use 1/4 of the detergent sheet to dilute more!

5. Eucalan Delicate Wash

• Low-sudsing, pH-neutral
• Great for hand-washing cyanotype fabric

6. Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds (highly diluted)

• While concentrated, it’s safe when diluted properly (1 tsp per gallon)
• No brighteners or dyes
• Can alter pH if overused, so dilute heavily