How to 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 Edit

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.

Method One of Six:
Alum formula Edit

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.

Select the fabric that you wish to treat. Dip it into the pan and wet it completely.

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.

Use once dried. Expect some stiffness compared to the original fabric but it should mold to the shape needed with bending.