With the use of chemicals it is possible to make fabrics resistant to fire, even if the fire protection must not be understood as total and certainly cannot save your life in the event of a fire. The best precaution in the event of a fire remains to be as far away from the flames as possible. Fireproof fabrics can instead be useful for those items that risk catching fire due to exposure to heat sources, although for many (see below) they are also useful as clothing. We leave it to each reader to do further research and choose according to their conscience.
Steps
To make fireproof clothes, choose a nice, sunny day to avoid having chemicals dripping or drying around the house.
Method 1 of 6: Formula with Alum
Step 1. In a large saucepan, mix half a kilo of alum with half a liter of hot tap water
The pot must be large enough that you can easily dip the entire fabric into it.
Step 2. Choose the fabric you want to fireproof
Dip it in the solution until it is completely wet.
Step 3. Pull out the fabric
Put it in a basin and take it outside, where you can spread it out on a wire or other support.
Step 4. When it is dry you can use it
The fabric will be stiffer than before, but with use it will take on the desired shape.
Method 2 of 6: Formula with Ammonium Chloride and Ammonium Phosphate
Step 1. Mix one cup of ammonium chloride with one liter of water in a large saucepan
Step 2. Add half a cup of ammonium phosphate and mix everything together
Step 3. Soak the fabric in the mixture and let it wet completely, then let it dry as explained above
Method 3 of 6: Formula with Borax
This method is recommended for "stage fabrics, as well as being suitable for rayon and natural fiber fabrics".
Step 1. Mix 3 kg of borax with 2.5 kg of boric acid in 45 liters of water in a large tub
Step 2. Soak the fabric until it gets completely wet
Soak again several times for a fuller effect. Let it dry.
Method 4 of 6: Alternative Formula with Borax
This version makes the fabrics softer and more flexible, as well as protecting them from microorganisms.
Step 1. Mix 3.5 kg of borax with 1.5 kg of boric acid in 45 liters of water in a large tub
Step 2. Follow the same steps as above
For synthetic rayon fabrics, add another 20 liters of water.
Method 5 of 6: Sodium Silicate Formula
This version should only be tested with the use of rubber gloves, as sodium silicate is caustic on the skin and toxic if ingested.
Step 1. Mix about 30 grams of sodium silicate in a quarter liter of water
Step 2. Wash the fabric thoroughly and rinse thoroughly before soaking it in the solution
Step 3. Let the fabric soak in the solution and then hang to dry
Method 6 of 6: National Fire Protection Association formula
This is another variant of the borax formula.
Step 1. Mix 250 grams of borax powder with 100 grams of boric acid and about 4 liters of water
Step 2. Mix everything carefully in a large container
Step 3. Soak the fabric or spray the solution, then let it dry
Advice
- The Howtomakestuff website suggests that the second formula is ideal for (suits, curtains, outdoor blinds, and other fabrics.”Anyway, see the caveats below.
- The chemicals listed are available in drugstores or garden centers.
Warnings
- This method is recommended for use on upholstery fabrics, not clothing. For clothing, it is always best to obtain clothing that has already been fireproofed by the manufacturer, especially if it is to be used in work environments with risk of exposure to flames.
- Be careful to keep all chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.
