How to get hair dye out of your clothes

One of the biggest annoyances of colouring your hair at home is accidentally getting dye on your clothes. Whether it’s a tiny drip or a full-on splatter, hair dye can leave unsightly stains on your favourite outfits.

These stains are not only frustrating, but can also harm the fabric if not treated quickly and correctly. The dye can weaken the material, making it easier to rip or tear. So, before you think about throwing away your favourite shirt, here’s how you can save it and get hair dye out of your clothes.

How to get hair dye out of your clothes

To effectively remove a fresh hair dye stain from clothing, act quickly, as the sooner you address the stain, the better the chance of complete removal. Before attempting to clean, check the care label for washing instructions.

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Additionally, test any cleaning solution on a hidden part of the fabric to make sure it won’t cause damage. Once you’ve done that, here’s how to remove hair dye from your clothes:

1. Scrape off excess dye:

Gently use a blunt knife or spoon to scrape off any blobs of dye on the surface. Be careful not to spread the stain further.

2. Pre-treat with laundry detergent:

Apply a generous amount of liquid laundry detergent directly on the stain. You can use an old toothbrush to gently work the detergent into the fabric.

3. Soaking and vinegar solution:

To remove most dyes from garments, start by filling a sink or basin with warm water and adding some laundry detergent. Soak the stained garment in this solution for 30 minutes to an hour. For tougher stains, particularly darker colours such as black or blue, consider adding an oxygen-based bleach. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions provided on the bleach packaging for best results. For extra effectiveness, make a vinegar solution by mixing one part white vinegar with two parts cool water. Soak the stained area for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

4. Washing and drying:

Wash the garment according to the care label instructions. You can add an extra scoop of laundry detergent for good measure. After washing, air dry the garment completely. Avoid putting it in the dryer if the stain remains visible, as the heat can set the stain permanently. 

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With these steps, you can effectively remove hair dye stains and restore your clothes to their former glory. If the stain persists, consider taking the garment to a local dry cleaner.