Most often, we have to use vinegar in order to get the brighter tie-dye results and to set the dye. No doubt it works great, but occasionally we don’t have the vinegar at times; we do the tie-dye.

Besides, there are some people who are allergic to vinegar, and this should not stop them from getting the perfect tie-dye. This brings us to find out how to set tie dye without vinegar. If you are looking for the same, you just need to spend 5 minutes of your time, and you will know the method by the end.

Tie-dye is a great technique by which you can transform and give a new look to your apparel. Making the garment looks stunning, fresh, and full of vibrant colors, tie-dye is a process that you can do yourself at home.

But it happens that colors start to fade after a few washes only, and its smashups the beauty of tie-dye. Making the piece of the garment look diminishing and dull, no one wants to see their effort go in vain.

What needs to be done to set the dye? Vinegar does not help in all cases, and it’s not necessary to use it either. Well, we do have other options, such as soda ash and dye fixatives. So, busting the myth here that vinegar is necessary to set the dye, we are going to show other popular methods to do the job in a perfect manner.

Set tie-dye with soda ash

Soda ash is a chemical agent that does wonders in setting the dye and in colorfastness. The good thing is that you can easily prepare the soda ash at home. Don’t know how to do it? read it here how to make soda ash for tie-dye. Or you can buy it online or from the nearest store.

Readily available, cheap, and reliable solution, using soda ash is an excellent way to achieve the desired tie-dye results. If you want to know more about it, you can always check what soda ash for tie-dye is and where you can buy it.

Knowing about the benefits of it, you surely be looking for the procedure. So, let’s get straight into it step by step.

1. You have to make the mixture first. For that, you have to pour water into the bucket, add soda ash and mix it well.
2.  After the mixture is made, soak the fabric completely and leave it there for at least 15 to 30 minutes. Subject to the type of fabric, you may need to submerge for a long time.
3. When you think it’s time, take out the fabric, squeeze it, so that excess water is rinsed off, and proceed with the dye procedure.

Good for you, there are three methods soda ash can be used to set the dye. One method is to use the soda ash before the dye, as we have outlined the steps above. The second method is to mix the soda ash with color and apply it. Lastly, the third technique involves using the soda ash after the fabric is tie-dyed. Any strategy is fine as long as you achieve the results.

If you are not comfortable using the soda ash and don’t want to use vinegar as well, don’t worry, there is another way to set the dye. Let’s now explore it down as well.

Set tie-dye with commercial dye fixatives

Dye fixatives are another great addition to the process that helps you retain the dye for a long time. We like the info that you can apply this with all-purpose dyes. Not to mention, the commercial dye fixatives are not going to damage the fabric in any way.

In terms of how to use it, there is no rule. As there are a variety of fixatives available, the procedure to use may differ with all. It is better to see specific guidelines mentioned on the pack you have.

Whatever it is, the instructions are straightforward and don’t require any advanced knowledge. After you read it, you will understand what you have to do. Rest assured; it is going to set the tie-dye in a perfect manner.

Set tie-dye using iodized salt

Some people use it in conjunction with vinegar, but you can use it solely as well. However, for improved results, it is advised that you use iodized or pickling salts.

You can apply this technique to the tie-dyed fabric. After you have tie-dyed, do not rinse it yet, and soak it in water and salt solution. Rinse the fabric with cold water after letting it infuse for a minimum of 30 minutes. Just wash it in the washer after that, let it get dried, and then you can use it.

Set tie-dye using heat

Heat can also be used to set the tie-dye, and there are different techniques that can be used in this regard, such as you can use an iron or dryer to set the tie-dyed fabric. However, you have to know that it is done once the dying process is completed. Just be careful when using this method and do not overheat the fabric, or it might get damaged.

Conclusion

Not only do you make the dye brighter, but it also lasts longer if you set it the right way. If you don’t have the vinegar or you don’t want to use it on your fabric, you can always utilize other methods. You can choose any of the above methods you like; whether you use soda ash, iodized salt, or commercial fixatives, it is surely going to help you achieve the desired outcome.

Now there are no obstacles to getting the perfect results and completing the project. What about experimenting with some of these methods?