Should I set a tie dye shirt with vinegar?

Question

Will vinegar do it? I've heard it will, but just in case. Are there any better options?

Answer 1

a strong solution of vinegar and cold water

Answer 2

No way Vinegar smells like dog p**s

Answer 3

Salt and cold water

Answer 4

No, vinegar is not helpful for setting tie-dye on cotton, regardless of what some people claim.

If you used a good tie-dye kit, then all you need to do is follow the instructions that were included. Good tie-dye kits contain fiber reactive dyes, which are set with soda ash, which is included in the kit. Vinegar fights against soda ash, because vinegar is an acid while soda ash is a base (the opposite of an acid).

If you used Rit dye in cool water, then you must heat-set the dye by steaming it. Rit dye is a hot water dye and will not work at room temperature; it will just wash out. Rit dye should be applied by boiling your shirt in it for half an hour. (Ironing will not work.)  Follow this by using a cationic dye fixative, such as Retayne. You can buy Retayne from your local quilting supply shop, if you have one, or by mail-order.

Answer 5

Use vinegar and/or salt - and use cold water.