Avocado Dye
A natural avocado dye recipe to help you use up avocado scraps (skins and pits).
Equipment
- Large stock pot
Ingredients
- 4-6 avocado skins and pits preferably with a pink hue
- water enough to fit your garment
Instructions
- Fill a large stock pot with water, enough that a piece of clothing can float in. Bring to a boil, and add your avocado scraps.
- Simmer on low for one to three hours, then turn off and allow to sit overnight. The color should be a rich magenta.
- Now, drain your avocado scraps using a fine mesh sieve or cheese cloth, keeping the dye. Compost your scraps.
- It's time to dye. I like to use white clothing or cloths that are 100% cotton and I typically find these at a thrift store to avoid potential accidents with any treasured pieces. I suggest soaking them in cold water for 10 to 20 minutes before adding to the dye to make the uptake more even. Make sure the clothing or cloth is completely clean.
- Add the cloth to the dye filled pot, and make sure it is submerged. Do one piece at a time unless very small. I like to keep my clothing submerged for 6 to 12 hours (even overnight) depending on the desired pigment. The key is stirring to avoid streaks with a metal or plastic spoon.
- Remove the clothing from the dye bath and ring out over the pot with your hands to avoid a mess. Allow to air dry in a safe spot with a towel underneath. Once dry, enjoy, and to clean I would suggest rinsing in cold water and a very small amount of laundry detergent.
Notes
- Try to select avocados with a red or pink hue on the skin.
- Be sure to stir the dye and your items regularly to avoid streaks of color.
- Choose light-colored household items and clothes for the best results.
- Be patient!