Most often, we have to leave the tie-dye project in between, especially when we are experimenting with our children. While there can be a justified reason for this, we have to keep in mind that tie-dye does not last forever, and it will expire after a time.

Similarly, if you noticed that your last tie-dyed project turned out faded, it might be because you have used expired tie-dye.

Tie-dye is a process that helps you bring out the creativity in you, and if you get bad results, in the end, you might get disappointed. Before you do the next project, you just need to find out how long does tie-dye lasts. No need to go anywhere else; continue reading, and you will have the answer in a few seconds.

Generally speaking, the expert suggests that we should not leave the process in between and only prepare the dye when we are completely ready for it. However, if you have to leave for some reason, it is preferred to complete the task within 24 hours.

Can tie-dye expire?

Many of us think that the dye does not expire whether or not it has been dissolved with water. But is it true? Yes, it does not expire, but after it has been dissolved in water, it will only last for a limited time. If you have not opened the dye kit, it remains good for years, and you can utilize it whenever you want.

How long can tie-dye last?

Knowing that tie-dye cannot be used after its expiration, it’s important to see how long it actually lasts.

Typically, once you have prepared the dye and have dissolved it in water, the solution will last for up to three days. If you used the dye within that time frame, it is highly possible that you will achieve the desired results. But then again, the color intensity of the dye will begin to diminish noticeably after 24 hours if it is not applied. So, if you use it after a day, you may get a faded tie-dye.

In rare cases, you might get a satisfactory outcome if you use the tie-dye after this time. However, it’s not recommended at all that you leave the project for that much time. Try to complete the task as soon as you have prepared the solution; it will allow you to achieve perfect tie-dye results.

Can you store dye after it has been mixed with water?

Seventy-two hours are enough to resume the project you have been working on and complete the tie-dye. But what if you don’t get the chance. Can’t you store the dye after it has been mixed already? Well, it depends on the type of dye you are dealing with.

The fiber reactive dyes that are generally used last only for a limited time after being dissolved in water, and we have read that they are good for as many as three days. Talking about storing capability, you can store the dye for a couple of days.

Keeping dyes at the right temperature can have a profound effect on how long they last. So, to extend the lifetime of fabric dye, you need to store it below 21°C. At this temperature, you can keep the dye for a few weeks, and it will not affect its functionality. If you keep the dye in the refrigerator, it may last even longer.

In case the temperature is too hot, the dye may expire even before 72 hours.

Despite being able to store, it is not preferred. Instead, you should prepare the new solution if you are ready for the task. This is because no one wants to take a chance of ruining their favorite shirts or any other piece of garment.

Besides, if you really want to make your tie-dye look brighter and last longer, you should prepare it only when you are ready, and there is no distraction. Plus, it is important to follow the dye’s package instructions for the best coloring and dyeing results.

Hence, avoid wasting the precious dye. Since the entire tie-dye will only take about an hour, it would be better to finish it than leave it until later.

Conclusion

Tie-dye is a fun process and gives you the opportunity to give a brand-new look to your apparel. Various designs and patterns can be achieved with tie-dye, but to attain satisfactory results, you need to make sure that the dye is good to be used and is not expired.

Unopened tie-dye lasts for years, and you can use them whenever you want, but once they are mixed, they are good to be used for three days only. Though you can extend the time to a few weeks, it is highly endorsed that you use it within a day and not delay it more than that.

This might be one of the reasons you are not getting the anticipated results. As now you know, let’s try a new project and let us know how it went.