How to Remove Dye Stains from Clothes

There are numerous possibilities when one could have ruined their clothes by spilling dye on them or maybe staining them in the washing machine due to contrasting shades. And as you have bumped into this article, you probably have made a mess that you are guilty of and want to reverse. We got the solution so that you can focus on your DIY ambitions guilt-free.

Your fabric might not be compatible with the methods or substances you wish to treat the stains. If your pre-treating substance is weak, it will not be able to eliminate the stains effectively, but if it is too strong, you may end up discoloring the original fabric or even damage it. Time is another crucial aspect. The sooner you treat, the easier it is to eliminate the stains.

Removing Dye Stains From Clothes

Find and Separate the Source

The damage has already been done, but it can be reversed completely if you stay calm and act prudently. If you have spilled the dye on your clothes, avoid trying to remove it in such a way that it spreads further. Take a paper towel and soak the excess as much as you can. If it has happened due to an open dye-container lid, then displace it to a vacant place. While the stain is still fresh, do not put it in the washing machine, or else it can stain the other clothes as well.

Pay Heed to Fabric Care Label

We take the fabric care label lightly and end up shrinking the clothes or damaging the fabric or dye. Before doing anything, check the tag, and even if it does not restrict the application of certain substances, pre-test before treating the whole garment. For example, chlorine bleach can sometimes damage the fabric or discolor with its harshness. If your garment can not be wet washed, and you are afraid to do it yourself, you can give it for dry cleaning instead.

Blotting the Stain

If you have caught your clothes getting stained red-handed, you still have a chance to remove the fresh dye stain within minutes. Before the dye dries out, dab the excess out and keep the stained area under the running water, you will see the densely stained area is losing its color. Now take a paper towel and try to absorb the stain from the other side of the stained region. Clothes are porous, the dye will pass through the fabric to the paper towel.

Using Acetic or Citric Acid

While both works fine, acetic acid is more powerful than citric acid. If you are using acetic acid or distilled vinegar, dilute it with water in a 1:1 ratio and leave it for a few hours, then wash it with cold water. You can use citric acid or lemon juice directly on the stain and leave it for about an hour before rinsing it with cold water.

Using Ammonia

If you do not have oxy-bleach handy and have ammonia instead, use it as a substitute for bleach. Avoid using both at the same time, as ammonia and bleach can react to produce poisonous fumes that might create respiratory problems. Take ammonia and water in a 1:4 ratio and apply the concoction to the affected area. Let it rest for about an hour before rinsing it in cold water.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide

Not only can we use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect the wounds but also to treat dye stains. You can dilute it with water or even apply it directly, depending on your fabric label. If you wish to dilute it, then mix it with water in equal proportion and leave it overnight. If you apply it directly, you can rinse the garments after a couple of hours.

Oxy-Bleach to Rescue

Oxy bleach, also known as sodium percarbonate, is gentle on your clothes and does not aid discoloration; rather, it could preserve the colors and make the whites shine. The science behind oxy bleach is that it reacts with water to release oxygen. When you apply it on stains the bleach blends with the stain and dissipates. Take an equal portion of bleach and water, apply the paste on the stain and let it rest for at least 4 hours before rinsing them.

Stain Remover, the OG

Stains are something that we can neither avoid in our day-to-day lives nor get away with. And it just gets much more difficult to remove the stain with time. After using all the methods provided above, if you still fall short of eliminating the stains, it might be due to the fabric material, dye, or the time factor. And in that case, getting a stain remover is your best shot. It is easy to use, and you will get step-by-step instructions on its application.

Now, hurry up and remove that dye stain from your favorite garment!