Make Cloth Fireproof

Making cloth less prone to catching and sustaining fire can be done using chemical mixtures, this is by application or a process using a 'flame retardant' . Treatments can help make a combustible material less flammable, but unless the material is inert, like brick, stone or earth it cannot be made 'fire-proof': only that which will not burn or sustain fire is fire-proof. The use of the word 'fire proof' is misleading, as the best the processes can deliver is a retarding effect. Although there will be a certain element of fire retardation, don't rely on any of this to save you or your bacon during a fire. The best precaution when there is a fire is not to be in it. Flame retarded fabric is best used in situations where an item might be exposed to sufficient heat to be at risk of catching alight or inflaming, such as fabric sitting next to a heat source (lamp, bedding, curtain, etc.) and some sources (see below) don't seem to think it's a bad idea for clothing. Do your own research and use your common sense.

Steps

Choose a sunny day to do make flame retarded cloth, so that you can dry the cloth in the sun or on the porch, rather than having chemicals dripping inside.

Alum formula

  1. In a large pan, mix 1 lb of alum with 1 pint hot water from a faucet. A preserving pan is a good size for this, to allow room for the fabric.
  2. Select the fabric that you wish to treat. Dip it into the pan and wet it completely.
  3. Pull out the completely wet fabric. Put into a non-drip plastic basket to take outside. Hang on a line, over the basket, or over a clothes rack.
  4. Use once dried. Expect some stiffness compared to the original fabric but it should mold to the shape needed with bending.

Ammonium chloride and ammonium phosphate formula

  1. In a large pan, mix 1 cup ammonium chloride with 2 pints of water.
  2. Add 1/2 cup ammonium phosphate and mix together.
  3. Dip the fabric into the pan and completely cover as above. Dry as above.

Borax formula

This method is recommended for "theater scenery fabric, and recommended for rayon and natural fabrics".

  1. Mix 6 parts/lbs borax, 5 parts/lbs boric acid, 100 parts/{{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} water in a large container.
  2. Dip the fabric in until completely soaked. Repeat if needed. Allow to dry.

Another borax variant

This version is softer, more flexible, and prevents microorganism growth.

  1. Mix 7 parts/7lbs borax, 3 parts/3 lbs boric acid, 100 parts/{{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} water in a large container.
  2. Follow above steps. For rayon and sheer fabrics, {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} of water are recommended.

Sodium silicate formula

This version should only be made wearing gloves, as water glass is caustic on skin and toxic if ingested.

  1. Mix 1 oz water glass (sodium silicate) with 9 oz water.
  2. Wash fabric well and rinse completely before dipping in the silicate formula.
  3. Leave to soak and hang to dry.

National Fire Protection Association formula

Another variant on the borax methods.

  1. Mix 9 oz borax powder, 4 oz boric acid, with {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} water.
  2. Mix thoroughly in large container.
  3. Dip fabric or spray on. Drip dry.

Tips

  • The chemicals used should be available at pharmacies, chemical stores, or even a garden center.
  • How to make stuff suggests that the second formula is suitable for use on "clothing, tents, awnings and other textiles". See wikiHow's warning, however.

Warnings

  • Keep all chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
  • This method is recommended for fabric on items, not clothing. You're probably a lot better off buying professionally fire treated clothing, especially if you work in an industry where fire is a hazard.
  • Check the label to see what (if any) treatment was used, the rating and most importantly how to wash and care for the garment - as the treated fabric may well be the only thing between you and disaster on a bad day.

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Sources and Citations

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