It is easy to get hair color on your clothes or carpet accidentally, and the best way to remove the stain is to act quickly. Since dye colors contain different pigments and components, they require different methods to remove them.
You may need to repeat the procedures multiple times to remove the hair dye. However, you should never put clothes with hair dye stains in the dryer because the heat from the dryer can make the stain permanent. Keep scrolling to learn how to get hair dye out of clothes.
Key Takeaways
- Use a stain remover. A specialized stain remover or laundry detergent with enzymes can effectively remove hair dye stains.
- Use household items such as hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, dish soap, lemon juice, and salt to remove hair dye stains.
- Always use gloves when working with hair color. It might also be difficult to remove it from your skin.
- Until the stain is entirely removed, avoid heat. If you dry the garment while the stain is still present, it is improbable that it will ever come out.
Reasons for Hair Dye on Clothes
Hair dye can end up on clothes for various reasons, the most common being accidental spills or drips during the hair-coloring process. Some of the things that can cause hair dye to get on clothes are:
- Improper application: If you do not apply your hair dye correctly, it can easily drip or run onto clothes, leaving stains behind.
- Lack of protection: Some hair dyes can be messy, and if you don’t cover your clothes before applying the dye, it could stain them.
- Overuse of hair dye: If you apply too much hair dye, it can run or drip down your skin and stain your clothes.
- Inexperience: If it’s your first time dying your hair or you haven’t done it before, you may be more likely to get hair dye on your clothes by accident.
No matter what caused them, hair dye stains can be hard to remove. But if you follow the steps in this article, you can get rid of hair dye stains and get your clothes back to how they were before.
Related: How to Bleach Bath Hair to Remove Color
Types of Fabric and Their Stain Removal Method
Hair dye can get on different kinds of fabrics, like cotton, polyester, silk, and wool. Each type of fabric requires a different approach to removing hair dye stains.
- Cotton
Cotton is a natural fabric that is easy to dye but can also get stained easily. The best way to get hair dye out of cotton is to mix baking soda and water. Follow the steps below:
- Mix 1/4 cup of water with 4 tablespoons of baking soda and apply to the stain.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Wash it as usual.
- Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is resistant to staining, but it can still be affected by hair dye. The best method for removing hair dye from polyester is to use hydrogen peroxide or hair bleach. Follow the instructions below:
- Mix equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and water or hair bleach and water.
- Apply to the stain and wait for 20-30 minutes.
- Wash it as usual.
- Silk
Silk is a delicate fabric, so removing hair dye stains from it needs to be done with care. The best way to get hair dye out of silk is to mix white vinegar and water. Here’s how:
- Mix white vinegar and water in equal parts.
- Rub it on the stain and wait 10 to 15 minutes.
- Wash it like you always do with cold water.
- Wool
Wool is a delicate natural fiber that can shrink when washed in hot water. The best way to get hair dye out of wool is to mix white vinegar and warm water. Follow the instructions below:
- Mix white vinegar and water in equal parts.
- Rub it on the stain and wait 10 to 15 minutes.
- Wash it like you always do with cold water.
It’s important to remember that some fabrics may need more than one treatment to get rid of hair dye stains. Therefore, it’s always best to test a small, unnoticeable area of the garment before trying to get rid of the stain on a larger scale.
Related: Bleaching Pink Hair: Remove Pink Hair Dye With Simple Tricks
How to Get Hair Dye Out of Clothes
Before using any of these methods, you should always check the item’s label. Some fabrics may not be able to handle certain chemicals. If the label says dry clean only, get the garment to a dry cleaner as quickly as possible. Here are some methods on how to get hair dye out of clothes:
Related: How to Remove Hair Dye From Wall?
1. Rinse With Cold Water or Alcohol
Some hair colors are dense and thick. Put the stained part under running water or pour rubbing alcohol over it to remove extra dye goop. If you still observe goop, try scraping it away with a blunt knife or credit card.
2. Spot-treat With Liquid Laundry Detergent
Apply a high-quality liquid laundry detergent or pre-treatment for stain removal that contains stain-lifting enzymes, then scrub with a clean white washcloth or soft-bristle brush (a toothbrush is more suitable). Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before washing the garment.
3. Soak in Oxygen-based Bleach
Mix oxygen-based bleach with cold water in a large container. This color-safe bleach can eliminate hair coloring stains within several hours. And it works on brighter colors as well. Soak the clothing for at least eight hours.
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda can remove stains from any material, from the smooth cotton of your shirt to the synthetic carpeting in your home.
Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda with water and apply to the stain. Allow it to sit for around 45 minutes, then wash it as usual.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can effectively remove hair dye from clothes, as it is a powerful oxidizing agent that can break down and lift the dye from the fabric.
Simply dab the garment with a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide until the stain is sufficiently loosened. Then, remove the stain with a soft brush and thoroughly rinse the garment.
6. Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine bleach can effectively remove hair dye stains from clothes, as it is a powerful bleaching agent that can break down and lighten the dye.
- Mix one gallon of chlorine bleach with four cups of water to create a solution.
- Apply the solution to the stain caused by hair dye. Make sure to saturate the entire area of the stain.
- Allow the solution to soak for 5 to 10 minutes on the stain.
- Remove the bleach solution from the garment by rinsing it with water.
- Wash the item as you normally would, either by machine or hand.
- If the stain persists after the first wash, repeat the process or bring the clothing to a professional cleaner.
Relevant: How to Get Hair Dye Off Counter Easily
How to Prevent Hair Dye From Getting on Clothes
There are a few things you can do to prevent hair dye from staining your clothes. Here are preventive measures to consider:
- Cover your clothing with an old towel or cape before applying the dye. This will protect your clothes from any potential spills or splatters.
- Wear old clothes that you are okay with getting stained while coloring your hair. This way, if there is an accident, it will not ruin your good clothes.
- It’s also good to have a clean and dry surface to mix the dye to avoid spills during the process.
You can also apply petroleum jelly or cream around your hairline, ears, and neck to prevent dye from staining your skin.
Related: How to Remove Hair Dye From Scalp?
How to Get Hair Dye Out of Clothes: FAQs
Do Hair Dye Stains Go Away?
Hair dye stains can be difficult to remove and may not completely go away. The success of removing a hair dye stain depends on the type of fabric it is on and how quickly you treat it.
Does Rubbing Alcohol Remove Hair Dye From Clothes?
Rubbing alcohol can be effective in removing hair dye stains from clothes. The high alcohol content in rubbing alcohol helps to break down and dissolve the dye, making it easier to remove.
Does Hair Dye Come Out of Clothes in the Washer?
Hair dye stains can come out of clothes in the washer. However, it depends on a few factors, such as how quickly the stain is treated, the type of fabric, the color of the dye, and the type of laundry detergent being used.
How to Remove Hair Dye From White Clothes?
Removing hair dye from white clothes is a bit challenging, but solutions like hydrogen peroxide with baking soda can help. Here’s how:
- Mix equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to form a paste.
- Apply the paste on the stain and allow it to sit for 30 minutes.
- Scrub the stain using a toothbrush and rinse the area with cold water.
Conclusion
Hair dye can be difficult to remove from clothing if not dealt with quickly. The best methods for removing hair dye from clothes include using a color remover or bleach, applying a stain remover or laundry detergent, or trying a homemade solution of baking soda and dish soap. It is important to act quickly when dealing with hair dye stains to increase the chances of successful removal.
