Name: Kim

Message: I was wondering for dyeing with procion mx dyes, how long can you  store dye premix solution that hasn't been mixed with any dye? The solution being a mix of water, water softener, urea, and kelp.

This premix solution, also referred to by many dyers as "chemical water", will usually stay good for days at room temperature, possibly even months in some cases. It is safe to continue to use it as long as there is no smell of ammonia. If you detect the smell of ammonia from your solutions, this means that the urea has begun breaking down. Because ammonia alters the pH of dye solutions, you should not use any such mixtures after the urea has started to decompose to ammonia. 

It is possible to have mold growth in your premix solution. This could have unpredictable effects on pH. If you see any sign of cloudiness, discard it and make up fresh solution.

Refrigeration should help the mixture to stay good much longer. The water softener (sodium hexametaphosphate) helps keep the alginate in the kelp from gelling.


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