The Perfect Timing For Salty T-Shirt Makeovers

There are several methods to soften a t-shirt using salt, with the most popular being the soaking method. This involves filling a bucket with water and salt, submerging the t-shirt, and letting it sit for up to three days. After this, the t-shirt is washed and dried as normal. However, there are variations on this method, including the use of sodium carbonate, and boiling the t-shirt in salt water.

How much salt to use in the bath

To answer the question of how much salt to use in a bath, it is important to first clarify the purpose of the salt bath. Salt baths are commonly used for therapeutic reasons, such as easing muscle pain, treating arthritis, reducing headaches, and improving skin conditions. They can also be used to achieve a particular aesthetic, such as giving a new t-shirt a vintage, softer feel.

For a therapeutic salt bath, the recommended amount of salt varies depending on the type of salt used and the size of the bathtub. For an average-sized bathtub, the general consensus is to use 1 cup of salt for therapeutic benefits. However, to fully benefit from the effects of sodium chloride, you can use up to 2 kilograms (or 4 pounds) of salt. Common choices for bath salts include sea salt, Pink Himalayan salt, or Epsom salt, which are easily dissolved in warm bathwater.

If you're using salt to treat a skin condition, the National Eczema Association recommends adding 1 cup of table salt to your bath to help prevent stinging during a flare-up. For a detox bath using Epsom salt, 2 cups of salt in a standard-size bathtub filled with warm water is recommended.

Now, if you're using salt to soften a t-shirt, the recommended method is to fill a bucket with 1 quart of water and 1/2 cup of salt. Submerge the shirt in the saltwater and let it sit for three days. After which, you can wash and dry the shirt as you normally would.

In summary, the amount of salt to use in a bath depends on the intended purpose. For therapeutic benefits, 1 to 2 cups of salt is generally recommended, while for softening a t-shirt, a 1:2 ratio of salt to water is suggested.

How much water to add to the salt bath

There are a few different methods for salting a bath for a t-shirt. The amount of water used will depend on the method chosen.

The first method is the "soaking method". This involves filling a bucket with 1 quart of water and 1/2 cup of salt. The shirt is then submerged in the water and left to sit for three days. After the three days are up, the shirt is washed as normal.

The second method is the "boiling method". This technique uses a pot of boiling salt water. Fill a large pot with 1 cup of salt and water, bring it to a boil, and then drop in a wet shirt. Bring the water down to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 45 minutes. When finished, take the shirt out and machine wash as normal.

The third method involves a washing machine. First, mix 1/4 cup of sodium carbonate with 2 cups of salt. Next, add the shirt to the wash and set the machine to "hot" or "high". When the water reaches its apex, add the mixture along with a standard dose of detergent. When the wash is complete, put the shirt in the dryer on a high setting. Repeat this process 3-5 times, halving the amounts of washing soda and salt with each load.

It is worth noting that the "boiling method" has been tried and tested by one fashion blogger, who found that the end result was a "super crunchy" shirt that was "not soft AT ALL". The "soaking method" was also tried and tested by the same blogger, who found that the shirt was only "kind of soft but nothing to write home about".

How long to soak the t-shirt in the salt bath

There are several methods for softening a t-shirt using salt, and the duration of the salt bath varies depending on the method.

One method involves creating a salt solution by dissolving 1/2 cup of salt in 1 quart of warm water. Stir the solution until the salt is completely dissolved. Next, soak the shirt in the solution for up to three days, stirring the mixture once a day. After three days, remove the shirt from the solution and wash it in the washing machine as usual. This method is simple and effective, and it can turn a stiff, new shirt into a soft, comfortable vintage-style tee.

Another method, known as the "boiling method", starts with filling a large pot with salt water (1 cup of salt) and bringing it to a boil. Then, place a wet shirt in the pot, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 45 minutes. Finally, remove the shirt from the pot and wash it as usual. However, it's important to note that this method may not produce the desired results, as it can make the shirt crunchy instead of soft.

A third method involves repeating the wash cycle multiple times (3-5 times) with decreasing amounts of salt and washing soda. For this technique, mix 1/4 cup of washing soda (sodium carbonate) with 2 cups of salt. Add the shirt to the wash and set it to "hot" or "high". Once the water reaches its apex, add the mixture along with detergent. Repeat this process multiple times, halving the amounts of washing soda and salt with each load. This method provides subtle results and is time and energy-consuming.

How to wash the t-shirt after the salt bath

There are several methods to wash a T-shirt after a salt bath to achieve a softer texture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Soaking Method:

• Fill a bucket with one quart of warm water.
• Add 1/2 cup of sea salt or table salt to the water and stir until the salt is completely dissolved. You can also add a bit more salt if you prefer.
• Submerge the T-shirt in the saltwater, ensuring it is fully covered.
• Let the shirt soak for three days. Stir the solution once daily for about a minute to keep the salt distributed evenly.
• After three days, remove the shirt from the saltwater and give it a normal wash, either by hand or in the washing machine, with a mild detergent.
• Tumble dry the shirt on the air setting, or let it air dry.

Boiling Method:

• Fill a large pot with water and add one cup of salt. Stir to dissolve the salt.
• Bring the saltwater to a boil.
• Take a wet T-shirt and carefully place it into the boiling saltwater.
• Reduce the heat and let the shirt simmer in the saltwater for 45 minutes. Keep the pot covered during this time.
• After simmering, remove the shirt from the pot and give it a normal machine wash.

Washing Machine Method with Washing Soda:

• Mix 1/4 cup of washing soda (sodium carbonate) with two cups of salt.
• Put the T-shirts in the washing machine and set it to "hot" or "high".
• Once the water level reaches the maximum, add the washing soda and salt mixture, along with your regular detergent.
• When the wash cycle is complete, transfer the T-shirts to the dryer and set it to "high" heat. The heat will help break down the cotton fibres, making the shirt softer.
• Repeat the above steps 3-5 times, reducing the amount of washing soda and salt by half each time.
• Finally, apply acetone between cycles to enhance the effect.

Please note that while these methods can help soften your T-shirts, the results may vary. Some people have reported mixed results, with the soaking method providing slightly better outcomes than the boiling method. Additionally, the washing machine method with washing soda can be time and energy-consuming, and it may cause some degradation of the print on the shirt.

How to dry the t-shirt after the salt bath

Drying your t-shirt after a salt bath is a crucial step in achieving the desired softness and texture. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure you get the best results:

Washing the T-Shirt

After the salt bath, it's important to wash the t-shirt to remove any residual salt. Wash the t-shirt alone in the washing machine—do not include other items in the wash. Use a mild detergent, and consider using a liquid laundry detergent for a more thorough clean. Follow the instructions on your detergent, and feel free to use fabric softener if you wish.

Drying Options

There are a few options for drying your t-shirt, depending on your preferences and equipment available:

• Tumble Dry: You can tumble dry the t-shirt on the air setting. This method is convenient and helps maintain the shape of the garment.
• Air Dry: Alternatively, you can air-dry the t-shirt. Hang it on a clothesline or drying rack, ensuring it is fully stretched to prevent shrinking. Air-drying is gentle on the fabric and can help extend the life of your t-shirt.
• Machine Dry: If you prefer, you can also use a dryer machine. Set it to "high" heat, as this helps break down the cotton fibres, making the t-shirt softer.

Repeat Process if Necessary

If you're not satisfied with the softness after the first salt bath, you can repeat the process. Simply prepare another salt bath with the same measurements, and soak the t-shirt for another three days. After that, wash and dry it again. With each repetition, you'll notice the fabric becoming softer and more comfortable.

Remember, the key to achieving a soft vintage feel is patience. Don't be afraid to experiment with different methods and find what works best for your t-shirts!

Frequently asked questions