Can I Use Vinegar When Tie-Dyeing Shirts?

Premade Tie-Dye Kits

• Kits that have everything you need for tie-dyeing clothing are sold in stores and on the Internet. You should always follow all instructions with these kits. The instructions may include directions to add vinegar as a step, while others may not. Adding vinegar to pre-made kits can be dangerous if you are not instructed to do so. This is because vinegar can have a chemical reaction with other substances, causing potentially noxious and hazardous vapors. Follow all directions in these kits -- and only the directions given -- and this will not be a problem.

Bleach Tie-Dye

• One way of tie-dyeing an article of clothing is by using water and bleach. Though recipes regarding the amount of water and bleach to use may vary, most of these recipes do not include vinegar, or only use vinegar as an ingredient after the clothing has been washed or dunked in water to remove the bleach. This is because vinegar can have a reaction with bleach causing vapors that are potentially dangerous if inhaled. Always work in a well-ventilated or outdoor area when dealing with chemicals, such as bleach.

Drink Mix Tie-Dye

• Vinegar is often an ingredient used in homemade tie-dye recipes that call on flavored drink mix powder as the color agent. The vinegar is safe to use in these cases because these recipes usually only include the drink mix powder, water and vinegar, meaning there is no adverse chemical reactions with the vinegar. Use only the specified amounts of vinegar to get the best results. You should also use the vinegar in a well-ventilated area, as vinegar does have a strong smell that can make people feel nauseous, even if it is not dangerous to inhale.

Fabric Types

• Certain types of fabric take to tie-dyeing better than others do. Vinegar can help some fabrics hold the dye better, while it is useless on others. The fabrics that vinegar helps with attracting and keeping color are wool, silk and nylon. If you are planning to dye any of these three materials, follow the kit instructions or recipe you are planning to use. This applies even if they don't call for vinegar. Only use vinegar if you are instructed to do so because of the risk of gases or fumes that can be harmful.