Name: Karen

Message: I have spent the last hour perusing your WONDERFUL site, but have not found the answer to my question...I've always made fresh dye solution pre-mix before every dying session (Urea, water softener, kelp, hot water). Does this solution "keep" under any conditions or should it always be made fresh and any excess thrown away--this method I learned from the true tie dye folks but they do not mention the longevity of the solution like the do for the actual dye solutions and soda ash solutions...any thoughts would be appreciated! And thanks so much for all your work on this side...I have learned a ton just in my 30-40 minutes of looking for an answer to my urea question!

Yes, you can keep the urea/alginate mixture for some time. Just sniff it before use. If it smells of ammonia, then the urea is starting to break down, and you should throw it out and prepare a fresh batch.

It's best to refrigerate the mixture if you want to keep it for more than a day or two. Let it come to room temperature before adding dye to it.

I'm glad you're enjoying the site.

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