An Essential Ingredient for Indigo Dyeing

Hydrated lime, also known as calcium hydroxide, is a traditional material widely used in indigo dyeing and indigo production.

Produced by reacting lime derived from limestone with water, hydrated lime is a naturally occurring alkaline material with a long history of use in indigo processing, agriculture, building and water treatment.

Hydrated lime is commonly used in indigo reduction vats, including iron-lime vats and organic fructose vats, and plays an important role in traditional indigo extraction and production methods.

Product Details

Uses in Indigo Dyeing & Production

Hydrated lime is commonly used for:

• Iron-lime indigo vats
• Organic fructose indigo vats
• 1-2-3 and 1-3-2 indigo vat recipes
• Lime water preparation
• Indigo extraction and precipitation
• Shade enhancement before indigo dyeing
• Traditional indigo production methods

Lime Water for Indigo Extraction

Hydrated lime is often used to prepare lime water, an alkaline solution used during the extraction and precipitation of indigo pigment from indigo-bearing plants.

Lime water helps adjust pH during extraction and is an important component in many traditional indigo production methods.

Many dyers and indigo producers keep a supply of lime water on hand for both pigment extraction and indigo vat preparation.

Organic Indigo Vats

Many dyers use lime alongside fructose to create a simple and effective organic indigo vat.

A common recipe follows:

1 Part Indigo : 2 Parts Lime : 3 Parts Fructose

Combined with warmth, this creates a reduction vat based on sugar chemistry rather than fermentation.

Understanding Lime & Carbonation

Hydrated lime is produced from calcium carbonate (limestone).

When exposed to air, it slowly reacts with carbon dioxide and gradually converts back into calcium carbonate through a natural process known as carbonation.

For dyers, this means:

• Fresh lime is generally more active and predictable.
• Long-term exposure to air reduces effectiveness.
• Moisture accelerates deterioration.
• Proper storage helps maintain performance.

Storage Recommendations

• Keep tightly sealed when not in use.
• Store in a cool, dry place.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to air.
• Always use clean, dry utensils.

Stored correctly, hydrated lime remains usable for a long period, although freshness is always preferred for indigo vat preparation and indigo extraction work.

Learn More About Indigo Vats

Hydrated lime is used extensively throughout our Indigo Week resources and AppleOak indigo guides.

You can explore our indigo articles and tutorials here:

https://appleoakfibreworks.com/blogs/news

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Please Note

For textile, craft and technical use only.

Not intended for food, cosmetic or medicinal applications.