You’ve been rocking that new hair color, but oops, some dye splashed on your favorite shirt. Don’t panic! You can get hair dye out of your clothes using the right techniques. It’s easier than you might think.
This guide teaches you how to tackle that stubborn stain without ruining your garment. Whether it’s a fresh or dried stain, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and rescue your clothes from the clutches of hair dye.
Pre-Treating the Stain
Before treating the stain directly, it’s crucial to pre-treat it. Pre-treating acts as a barrier between the stain and the fibers of your clothing. It loosens the stain, making it easier to remove it without damaging the apparel.
You’ll need everyday household items for pre-treatment: dish soap and white vinegar. Here’s a step-by-step guide for you:
Step 1: Rinse with Cold Water
- Before anything else, rinse the stained area with cold water. Warm or hot water can further set the dye stain, so it’s best to stick to cold water.
- This initial rinse only partially rid your clothing of the stain. It simply dilutes the dye, preparing your garment for the treatment process.
Step 2: Apply Dish Soap
- Squirt a small amount of dish soap directly onto the stained area.
- Gently rub the soap into the fabric using circular motions. This helps to lift the dye particles from the fibers of the garment, making them easier to wash out in the subsequent steps.
Step 3: Rinse Again
- After applying dish soap, rinse the fabric once more with cold water.
- This rinse washes away the loosened dye particles and the soap.
- After rinsing, soak a clean cloth or sponge with white vinegar and blot the stained area.
- Leave it for about 15 minutes, allowing the vinegar to penetrate the stain and break down the dye.
- Don’t rinse the vinegar off.
This pre-treatment method loosens stubborn dye stains and sets the stage for the more intensive stain-removal techniques you’ll use next. Remember, the quicker you start the pre-treatment process, the better your chance of effectively removing the hair dye stain from your clothes.
Using Household Items
As we move forward, now is the perfect time to take advantage of everyday household items to combat those pesky hair dye stains. You’d be surprised how these items can double as a savvy dye-buster.
Baking Soda and Dish Soap is what we’re focusing on next. As surprising as it may sound, the combo of these two is renowned for lifting hard-to-remove stains. Here’s how you can use them:
- First, you’ll need to prepare a mixture. Add 1 tablespoon of dish soap and 2 tablespoons of baking soda into a bowl.
- Mix it until you get a thick paste.
- Apply this paste to the stain, covering it completely. You leave it on the stained area for about an hour, as this time allows the paste to penetrate the dye particles deeply.
Don’t have baking soda? Do not fret! Hydrogen Peroxide is another notable rescuer for clothing stained by hair dye. The application is slightly different:
- Pour 2 tablespoons of Hydrogen Peroxide directly onto the stain.
- Let it sit on the stain for just 10 minutes. Remember, any longer, it might start to bleach the fabric.
Finally, Denatured Alcohol can work wonders on hair dye stains. Putting it to use is straightforward:
- Soak a clean cloth in the denatured alcohol and dab it onto the affected place.
- Leave it for about 5-10 minutes before rinsing off.
Remember, while using household items to treat stains might take longer than commercial products, they are far gentler on fabrics. Plus, they provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to tackle hair dye stains. So don’t rush. Give it the time it deserves and see the magic unfold.
Trying Commercial Stain Removers
Now that you’ve tried some eco-friendly and cost-effective methods consider using commercial stain removers. A wide variety is available, each with its specific application, composition, and benefits. While household items can be gentle on fabrics, sometimes you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn dye stain that needs an extra push.
One such product you might come across is OxiClean. Known for its potent stain-lifting abilities, OxiClean is a versatile option, according to the University of Toledo. It’s not explicitly designed to remove hair dye but is a universally acknowledged stain fighter. Follow the instructions on the packet to create a soaking solution or apply directly to the stain.
On the other hand, Carbona offers products designed especially for cosmetic stains, including hair dye. They’re easy to use—all you need to do is apply a few drops directly onto the stain and then wash as usual. Remember that although these commercial products are powerful, they may also be harsher on certain fabrics, so always read the labels and test on a small hidden area first.
Opting for commercial stain removers can be quicker for hair dye stain removal. However, remember that time is a crucial factor here. As with home remedies, these commercial products need time to penetrate and lift the dye. So, don’t rush it. Let the remover do its job.
While commercial products are more expensive than household items, you’re paying for convenience and potentially saving time. It’s always helpful to have a reliable stain remover for stubborn spots that refuse to leave. After all, hair dye accidents are quite common, and you never know when you might need to tackle one!
Consequently, assessing your options and the severity of the stain can guide your choice of stain remover – whether it’s a household item or a commercial product. It’s all about finding the right approach for your specific needs.
Laundering the Garment
With the tedious process of stain removal from effectual household items or commercial stain removers now behind you, it’s time to shift your focus to the laundering stage. This step is crucial in your battle with stubborn hair dye stains, and it’s also the moment of truth to see if all your strenuous efforts have yielded success.
Start by checking the previously stained spot – if it’s still visible, don’t put it directly in the laundry, as the heat from the dryer can set the stain, making it nearly impossible to remove. If the stain persists, repeat the stain removal process. However, if not, you’re ready to launder the garment as usual.
But wait! Before you toss the outfit into the washer, look at the garment care label. These tags aren’t just for show; they provide valuable information to help you appropriately care for your clothing items. The recommended water temperature, cycle type, and even the type of detergent can play a significant part in preserving the quality and integrity of your clothing.
Here’s some essential care label information and what it means:
- Wash tub: Hand wash or machine wash
- Triangle: Bleach when needed
- Square with a circle: Tumble dry
- Iron: Iron when needed
- Circle: Dry clean only
Understanding these symbols can be a game-changer in maintaining the longevity of your clothes, especially when dealing with hair dye stains. Remember, patience and attentiveness to care can save that favorite blouse, pair of jeans, or precious linen shirt from the wrath of hair dye stains.
For those garments labeled “dry clean only,” it’s essential to take them to a professional cleaner. They’ll have specialized knowledge and access to industrial-grade remedies that are harsh on stains but gentle on fabrics.
Continue confidently tackling the hair dye stain with your knowledge of stain removal techniques and proper garment laundering. The battle against stains is tiresome, but with the tools and expertise in your hands, you can breathe new life into your garments.
Additional Tips for Stubborn Stains
If you’ve tried all the basic methods and still can’t kick those pesky hair dye marks to the curb, refrain from sweating. Here, we’ll share some other tricks to tackle those stubborn stains. Remember, it’s crucial to act swiftly when a spill occurs. The faster you address it, the better your chance of complete removal.
Light-colored clothing and heavy fabrics like cotton and linen can tolerate more aggressive cleaning techniques. If your clothing falls into these categories, hydrogen peroxide might be a good ally. However, it may bleach colored fabrics, so use it with caution. Dab a small amount onto the stain, letting it sit for about ten minutes before rinsing and laundering.
Occasionally, you may face untamable stains that resist conventional cleaning techniques. That’s when special cleaning agents like hair color or commercial stain removers enter the picture. These are formulated with solid chemicals designed to lift even the most stubborn stains from your garments.
Here’s a brief summary that outlines some potent cleaning agents and their particular uses:
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Useful for light-colored clothing and heavy fabrics
- Hair Color Remover: Specifically designed to tackle hair dye stains
- Commercial Stain Remover: Generally effective on a wide range of tough stains
Soaking the garment overnight in a stain-removing solution might be beneficial in case of deep-set stains. Always remember to check the garment’s care label first. Some materials may react adversely to soaking. After soaking, launder again as per the garment’s care label instructions.
Furthermore, I always appreciate the power of professional cleaning services. They possess the expertise and special equipment necessary to handle all stains. This may be your best option, especially for delicate and expensive garments.
Sure, it’s a bummer when your favorite clothes bear the brunt of a hair dye spill. But with these solid strategies to deal with stubborn stains, you’re already halfway down the path to success. Be patient and keep trying different methods until you find what works best. And always, without fail, heed the care labels on your clothing. It’s your guide to maintaining its quality and longevity.
Conclusion
So, you’ve learned the ropes of getting hair dye out of your clothes. Remember, it’s all about prompt action and proper garment care. Always check the stain before you wash and follow the care labels. Don’t shy away from professional help for those “dry clean only” items if the stain is stubborn; hydrogen peroxide or commercial stain removers could be your saving grace. For delicate items, professional cleaning services are worth considering. Try different methods until you succeed, but respect your garment’s care label. Now, you’re equipped with the knowledge to tackle hair dye stains head-on. Happy cleaning!
Clotheslyne – We’re Here To Help!
For those who prefer professional laundry care, Clotheslyne provides an ideal solution. Through the app, you can hire Clotheslyners for expert laundry services, including washing, drying, and folding of clothes and bulky items.
Choosing Clotheslyne ensures your laundry is handled with care and expertise. It’s convenient for those who value their time and prefer professional laundry services.
To use Clotheslyne, download the iOS Apple App or Google Play Store Android app to schedule your laundry pick up.
You can also schedule your laundry pick up through our web portal.
Fill up a tall kitchen bag full of clothes. A Clotheslyner in your community will pick it up and deliver it back to you washed, dried, and folded in 48 hours. It’s that simple.
Got a question for us? Head over to our contact us page and make a custom request by email or by phone! We’re here to help.