Can you substitute Vinegar for Synthropol?

[greenegirl]

I got some playsilks and acid dyes in the last Dharma co-op. I did not buy any Synthropol because I figured I'd buy it locally rather than paying for the shipping on something that heavy. I've been to Joann's, Michaels and a local quilt shop and none of them have Synthropol.

I've read all the threads I could find about dyeing. There are definitely people using vinegar to set dyes, but it seems they are using Koolaid or Wiltons food coloring rather than the commercial acid dyes. Is it possible to use vinegar rather than Synthropol with the commercial acid dyes? How does this work?

TIA!

[nausicaamom]

Synthrapol is a detergent, your best bet for a substitute would be baby shampoo. You'll still need vinegar to fix the dye.

[greenegirl]

Thank you! Baby shampoo is certainly easy to find. I think I might have some...

[eepster]

Acid dyes are already acidic, so you don't need to add extra acid which is what the vinegar is for.

[mama k nj]

I found it at AC Moore if you have one near you.