For berry dye, use 1/2 cup of salt for every eight cups of water. For plant dyes, use one part vinegar to every four parts water.
You can use tongs to carefully lower the fabric into the simmering solution.
If you’re in a hurry, you can drain the pot and cool down the fabric right away with cold water in the sink.
Use a teaspoon or two of salt for a large bowl. Use more for a bucket. Use one cup of vinegar for a bowl or two cups of vinegar for a bucket. [5] X Research source
Allow the fabric to soak for at least 30 minutes, up to one hour.
Don’t add anything else to the load the first time or two that you wash your tie dye fabric. Adding salt and vinegar is optional. Make sure that is compatible with your washing machine. Laundry detergent is not necessary for this first washing. If desired, add just a small amount. [9] X Research source
Baking soda helps dyed fabrics to stay bright. As a bonus, baking soda can also tackle washing machine odor!
Vinegar softens fabric by dissolving mineral, soap and residue build-up. [13] X Research source Vinegar is also anti-microbial and safer than chemicals.
