57redbird #1 Posted September 18 Hi all -- don't know if anybody can help but it's worth a shot.... I bought a great batik top on one of our excursions in the Caribbean ---- any idea how to soften the fabric up? Even after machine washing & dryer sheets, it's still really stiff.....I know it's because they use wax to design it but I'd love it even more if it were softer. TIA! 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
orchestrapal #2 Posted September 19 20 hours ago, 57redbird said: Hi all -- don't know if anybody can help but it's worth a shot.... I bought a great batik top on one of our excursions in the Caribbean ---- any idea how to soften the fabric up? Even after machine washing & dryer sheets, it's still really stiff.....I know it's because they use wax to design it but I'd love it even more if it were softer. TIA! Fabrics used for tourist Batik are frequently very low grade cotton and are not soft because of the original quality prior to printing. The only suggestion would be to take the chance of putting it in very hot water in your washer and running it for two or three minutes on delicate. This would remove remaining traces of wax but chances are not soften the fabric very much. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hoyaheel #3 Posted September 20 (edited) Yeah, I would think it's the fabric not the dye process. Vinegar might work (not sure how it would affect the dy; I know with certain fabrics I've bought, I've "set" the dyes with salt water before washing, but I've never tried to set dye AND soften fabric with the same item) ETA Professor Google tells me a salt water soak also softens fabric, so... https://m.wikihow.com/Naturally-Soften-Laundry Edited September 20 by Hoyaheel 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
maddycat #4 Posted September 21 You can remove any wax remaining in the fabric by ironing it between clean white paper towels. The heat will melt the wax and the paper towels will absorb the melted wax. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
57redbird #5 Posted September 22 1 hour ago, maddycat said: You can remove any wax remaining in the fabric by ironing it between clean white paper towels. The heat will melt the wax and the paper towels will absorb the melted wax. Thanks --- what heat setting & steam? 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
maddycat #6 Posted September 29 On 9/21/2019 at 8:24 PM, 57redbird said: Thanks --- what heat setting & steam? Sorry, I haven't been on for awhile. Try a low heat setting with out steam. If that doesn't work go to medium. It's been years since I did any batik. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
awhfy #7 Posted October 21 I would do the iron that Maddycat suggested then do the cold saltwater soak that Hoyaheel suggested. I had batik years ago from St Kitts & this is what I did. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
57redbird #8 Posted October 30 Thank you all for your suggestions! None of them worked so I think, as Hoyaheel said, it's the fabric....oh well.... 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cb at sea #9 Posted Friday at 01:03 AM Try fabric softener! Hey...if it's too stiff to wear comfortably....you're not going to wear it, anyway. Take the chance! 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
57redbird #10 Posted Friday at 02:05 AM 1 hour ago, cb at sea said: Try fabric softener! Hey...if it's too stiff to wear comfortably....you're not going to wear it, anyway. Take the chance! I've done the dryer sheets but I will try Downy..... 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hoyaheel #11 Posted Friday at 03:48 PM Timely to see this pop up again as I'm getting ready to soften a new t-shirt. Fabric softener is basically going to coat a fiber - it's not a lasting change. I am trying to decide which option I want to try - probably washing soda, but salt & vinegar are the other options...[I have washing soda, salt, and vinegar at home right now, so....] You said "none of the options worked" - what did you try other than dryer sheets & ironing? https://www.polaroidfotobar.com/how-to-soften-t-shirts/ 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
57redbird #12 Posted Friday at 05:01 PM I did the hot water soak with a delicate wash as well. Might try the others as well 'cause like you said, I probably won't wear it like it is.... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hoyaheel #13 Posted Friday at 06:20 PM One option - should you decide you aren't going to wear the shirt due to the feel - is to frame and hang as art. I do that with scarves all the time, and I have a baby quilt my great-grandmother made me that is also hanging as art. Might not be your personal style, just throwing it out as an option in case it works for you or someone else. (I love fabrics - they don't always "love" me color or style wise - but my office at work and guest rooms are full of fabrics on walls) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
