Hair coloring at home can be practical but often the dye ends up where it shouldn’t – on a T-shirt or towel. Since hair dye is designed to last as long as possible, removing it from fabric can be quite a challenge. The good news is that if you act quickly and use the right techniques, you have a good chance of saving your clothes.
What affects whether you’ll be able to wash out the dye?
Not all hair dye stains are the same. The cleaning outcome depends on several factors:
- Type of hair dye: Permanent dyes penetrate deeper into the fibers, making them harder to remove than semi-permanent or toning dyes.
- Fabric material: Cotton tends to absorb dye quickly but also releases it more easily. Synthetic materials, like polyester, can “lock in” the color, making cleaning more difficult.
- Timing: The sooner you start treating the stain, the higher the chance of removing it. If you let the dye dry, it penetrates deeper into the fabric fibers, making removal much harder.
How to remove hair dye step by step?
1. Carefully remove excess dye: Use a paper towel or cloth to gently blot the excess color. Avoid rubbing, as this could spread the stain further.
2. Apply a cleaning agent: Apply liquid laundry gels, a mild shampoo, or a special stain remover directly to the stain. Gently massage it in with your fingers or a soft brush. Avoid scrubbing too harshly to prevent damaging the fabric.
3. Try home remedies if the stain persists: Sometimes stronger “weapons” are needed. Here are three proven tips:
- Alcohol: Soak a cotton pad in alcohol and gently dab the stain. Alcohol breaks down the dye pigments and helps release them.
- Vinegar and baking soda: Mix vinegar with baking soda to form a thick paste, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- Hydrogen peroxide: This method is suitable only for white or very light fabrics, as hydrogen peroxide acts as a bleach.
4. Wash in the washing machine: After treating the stain, wash the garment as usual – preferably separately, so the dye doesn’t transfer to other items. Use a quality laundry detergent and select the appropriate temperature for the specific fabric type.
Important! Never dry the garment in the dryer until you are sure the stain is completely gone. Heat can permanently “set” the dye into the fibers.
What to do if nothing works?
If the dye doesn’t come out, try repeating the entire process or consider taking the item to a dry cleaner. For delicate or expensive pieces, professional cleaning is the safest option.