Cyanotype Care

Washing and Care 

Cyanotype, also known as sun printing, is an archival photographic process that can last for hundreds of years - when taken care of properly. 

Wash only when necessary, and follow these guidelines. Turn your item inside out and hand wash in COLD water

• Use a phosphate-free liquid soap. Recommendations: Country Save laundry detergent, Foca Phosphate-Free Laundry Detergent, Dr. Bronner’s castile soap, Ecomax Natural orange laundry wash.

• Use a sink or bathtub. Washing machines can have traces of phosphates - powerful cleaning chemicals that will bleach (destroy) your cyanotype.

• Air dry or use a dryer set to low spin and heat.

Things to Avoid

Any detergent containing bleach or sodium, Borax, Oxyclean, washing soda, powdered detergents, powdered soaps, baking soda, any form of washing salts, or bleach

Long Term Care

• Sweat as well as very oily hands may also cause discoloration. 

• Intense sunlight will fade Cyanotype but it is temporary! Leave the item in a dark place with plenty overnight and the color will usually return.

• If the color has lost its luster after a long period, you can submerge it in a bath of water with a splash of hydrogen peroxide which will generally restore the color.

• Using UV protective sprays can be a great choice if you spend long periods in the sun, I can only recommend ForceField UV Sunblock Fabric Fade Protector