Extraction, Application and Determination of the Fastness Properties of Natural Dyes Extracted from Allium Cepa and Zobo Leaf Plant Applied on Cotton Fabrics Using Alum and Cream of Tartar as Mordant Made into Array of Products for Household Usage

The utilization of natural dyes in textile production has gained significant attention due to the ecofriendly characteristics and minimal environmental impact. This research focuses on the application of mixture of natural dyes (Zoboleaf, onion peels) on cotton fabric. The objectives of the study are to produce color from the red calyxes of Zobo and onion peels and to dye a cotton fabric with the mixture of these natural dyes and to assess the color characteristics of the dye on cotton fabric. The research design adopted in this study is an experimental method. Cotton fabrics used was mordanted using aluminum potassium and cream of tartar. the dyed sample of Zobo leaves on cotton fabric gives a light pink on a grey scale of wash fastness evaluation of 1-2. Onion peels dyed sample gave a green color with an evaluation of 3-4 wash fastness using a grey scale., findings revealed that onion peel dye extract has the ability to retain the dye on cotton fabric after washing at 80-90% while Zobo leaves dye extract is quick to fading after washing at 60-70%. Result of fastness test shows that cotton fabric has a good affinity for dye, conclusively, Plant leaves are potential sources of natural dyes because of their easy availability and abundant nature. These dyes are safe for humans, are not environmentally harmful also have some medicinal properties for health. But natural dyes have poor color fastness compared to synthetic dyes, meaning they fade quickly when exposed to light, washing or wear. It was recommended that Standard application of mordanting or fixing agents on textile fabrics (cotton, silk, polyester, wool) should be set to enhance resistance to fading during washing. complexity to specific mordants or chemicals for proper fixation on dye absorption, also, due to the increasing demand in the use of natural materials for environmental sustainability across the globe as well as the need to search for ways of sustainability, Entrepreneurs, students, and homemakers, clothing and fashion designers, interior decorators should be encouraged to produce and commercialize household clothing articles using natural tie and dye fabrics as a source of income.