Customer Reviews

RIT Sun Guard Laundry Powder

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have used this product for years, and it couldn't be easier to use. I'm not sure why the previous reviewer found it difficult. You just put a load of clothes in your washer that you want to sun proof and dump this powder in. It's as easy as that!

I have lupus and must avoid the sun year round. This gives me an extra layer of protection in summer and a way to go out in winter without covering my body in sun screen.

This powder also saves lots of money you would have to spend on SPF clothing, which is very expensive. You can't go wrong with this!

I ordered this product for someone who lives in Canada, so have no idea if it meets their expectation. Was pleased with delivery service and appearance of product as presented on Amazon sight.

I have used this product occasionally for several years with the hope that it works.

UV radiation is outside the visible light spectrum for humans, so I can't see what "color" the dye is adding to the fabric, but I trust that it is adding something. The powder looks a bit yellowish, and UV filters for my SLR look similarly yellowish, and since my experience from the days of silver-based photography clearly showed that the yellowish filters did block UV, that is somewhat comforting. I assume, too, that were UV absorption not increased someone or some agency would have objected to the marketing of this presumed dye.

Preferring white shirts for outdoor activities, I trust that this dye is blocking UV radiation, but I can't say for sure. I have never been burned through a white shirt, but data on protective clothing indicates that I could be. Therefore, I use Sun Guard.

Interestingly, Sun Guard is not available from any known, local distributor of RIT dyes, and few even know that it exists. Since it costs so much more than other dyes, and since other dyes cover a wide spectrum of colors, I wonder whether or not the pricing is equitable.

Even so, I use it. And, since other dyes seem to continue to dye fabric so long at they are hot enough and there is sufficient solution to cover and agitate, I see no reason why Sun Guard would not function similarly. Therefore, I keep agitating for 20 minutes or so, wring the dye solution out of the garments, add more garments, and continue so long as the water stays hot. If you have a front load washer, use the old fashion method of dying by hand in a separate vessel, and, if metal, the dye can be reheated. OR, I suppose, you could distribute the dye among the load and trust that it will dissolve and distribute, and that, again, would be a matter of trust.

I was totally excited about this product, as I have very fair kids. I was very disappointed after reading the directions that it is a total pain to use in a front load washing machine. In contacting the manufacturer, this is what they said...
RIT PRODUCT USE & FRONT-LOAD WASHER GUIDELINES


GETTING STARTED

The settings and options of various front-load washing machines vary among manufacturers. Even though there are slight differences among differing manufacturer's wash settings, they are common in that they all introduce water to the tumbler once the garment is placed inside. They allow a time period to introduce detergent (or dye in this case), and they all finish with a spin cycle.

It is important to use the washer's hottest water setting. Additionally, a wash cycle of at least 30 minutes is recommended to obtain a satisfactory dyeing.

Because front-load washers have built-in heaters to maintain the washer's temperature and the water to fabric ratio is relatively high as compared to top-load machines, deep, rich colors can be achieved using Rit dyes.

DYEING WITH RIT DYE

Follow the package or label instructions as you normally would. There are two exceptions to the package's instructions when using a front-load washer. One, it will be necessary to place the wet fabric into the washer before beginning the dye cycle. Second, when dyeing with Rit powder or liquid dye in a front-load machine, it is necessary to pre-dissolve the dye into four cups of very hot tap water. Once dissolved, pour the dye solution into the washer's dispenser at the appropriate time you would add detergent. After the dye solution has entered the washer, it will be necessary to flush the dispenser with another four cups of very hot tap water.

In many cases immediately after adding the dye solution, the garment may have a mottled appearance. This appearance will become level as the dyeing process continues.

ADDING SALT

If salt is desired when dyeing a cellulose material, the salt should be pre-dissolved into four cups of very hot tap water, added to the dispenser, and thoroughly flushed with another four cups of very hot tap water after the dyeing has proceeded for about 10 minutes.

IMPORTANT

. One package or one-half bottle dyes 1 lb. dry weight or about 3 yards medium fabric to a medium color. Never use more then a total of 4 packages or 2 bottles of Rit Dye. Depending on your washer's brand, the dyeing may be slightly darker than the color represented on the package or bottle.
. For most washable fabrics. Not recommended for 100% polyester, 100% acrylic or fabrics with special finishes, rubber backing, washable only in cold water or labeled Dry Clean Only.
. Use Rit Color Remover before dyeing fabric to a lighter or different color.

CLEAN-UP

Clean washing machine immediately after dyeing has completed using the hottest water setting. Since the machine automatically weighs fabric to determine the water level, be certain to place 3-4 old towels into the washer along with detergent and 1 to 2 cups chlorine bleach. Wipe spills with chlorine bleach solution. Plastic or rubber parts may be tinted but will not stain laundry.

RIT FABRIC TREATMENTS

All Rit fabric treatment products may be used in a front-load washer. Like Rit dyes, it is important to pre-dissolve the Rit fabric treatment into four cups of very hot tap water and thoroughly flush the dispenser with another four cups of very hot tap water.

IMPORTANT

When pre-dissolving Rit Fabric Treatment, AVOID BREATHING DUST AND USE WITH ADEQUATE VENTILATION.

. Be sure to follow manufacturer's fabric care labels when washing, drying, and pressing.
. Wear rubber gloves.

With all of the front loaders being sold, I would think that they would develop something a little more user friendly.

Also, if the item already has sun protection added to it then our product would most likely not adhere. It will usually adhere to nylon, but we do not recommend using the product on items that already contain a special finish.