Posted by Alice Coppin on Thursday 23rd July 2020, updated on Tuesday 28th November 2023
You may have become bored during the UK lockdown and wanted to try something new with your hair because if it went wrong, no one would see anyway! Or maybe your roots were showing and you wanted to keep on top of them since you couldn't see a hairdresser at the time. Dyeing your hair can become a very messy job, especially if it's your first time attempting it and you don't have anyone else to help or direct any missed patches.
Depending on whether you dye your hair in the bath, shower or near the sink in front on the mirror, you may get it all over the bathroom without even noticing. I know when I dyed my hair in my teens I'd notice little splodges on the wall, sink or even the toilet and would wonder how the hell it got there. And don't get me started on when you have to wash out the dye! If not wiped away promptly, hair dye can stain your bathroom sanitaryware or flooring which will leave you frustrated to no end. But don't worry, we've got you covered with our cleaning tips to help remove hair dye in your bathroom.
5 ways to remove hair dye stains
1.Washing up liquid
The first thing to try is washing up liquid because it's a technique that will be the least harsh to use. Washing up liquid foams up and is used for removing food marks in the kitchen. Albeit food and dye are completely different, but washing up liquid can soften the dye without being tough on your bathroom suite. Lather up the washing up liquid on the affected areas for 5-10 minutes and then rinse. You may want to repeat this a few times so that you can loosen up the dye. This is best done when the dye is still fresh, sitting on the surface.
2. Vinegar and baking soda
Vinegar is great for cleaning the bathroom in general (besides the smell), but adding baking soda can activate the dye to start breaking down making it easier to wipe away. Use a clean cloth to rub the paste gently on the stain and then rinse with warm water. You can also fill your bath with hot water if there are multiple stains and add the vinegar and baking soda. As the products combine, the fizzing will help remove the stain. After about 10-15 minutes, drain the bath and rinse with warm water.
3. Bleach
Bleach is known to lighten stains and kill many kinds of mould and mildew that build up in the bathroom. Bleach should only be used on non-porous surfaces, so the toilet, basin, bath and tiles where dye is most likely to fall is fine to clean. You'll want to use equal parts of bleach and water to cover the stain, wait 10-15 minutes and then rinse away thoroughly.
Please note that bleach is a poisonous and corrosive substance that can cause eye, skin and respiratory irritation. Take care when handling it, be sure to wear gloves, and store it in a safe, locked place out of the reach and sight of children. Using chlorine bleach indoors can cause high emissions of hypochlorous acid and chlorine gases, so you should also keep the room well-ventilated by opening the windows and doors. In addition, avoid mixing bleach with other cleaning substances: vinegar, ammonia and some insecticides and oven cleaners react with bleach to create chlorine gas, which can be fatal.
4. Nail varnish remover
Nail varnish remover can work really well to get rid of stains, however, some can also contain dye and cause more staining. Be sure to check which one you have and if you're not sure, you can always test it in a small, hidden area before committing to a larger area. You also have to be careful with the surfaces you use it on because paint, for example, will be striped along with removing the dye.
5. Specific dye remover
The 4 ways above are items that can usually be found already in your house, but you can also purchase specific cleaning products that can help remove hair dye stains. For example, the Pink Stuff or the Magic Eraser are both used to remove tough stains by following their easy instructions.
You want to avoid using any tools that would cause scratches or further damage to the affected area - always check what material your bathroom suite is made of before using cleaning products.
It's always best to prepare before you dye your hair at home, so here are some pre-dye tips to help reduce any staining in your bathroom and on your skin:
- Wear an old t-shirt that you don't mind staining
- Put down towels or sheets over your bathroom suite and floor in case the dye drips
- Have cleaning supplies at the ready just in case dye does land on something
- Always wear protective gloves
- Putting Vaseline around your hairline and ears can reduce staining the skin
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If you're looking for more cleaning advice, you may find the following posts useful - Kitchen Cleaning Tips - Four natural cleaning methods for a sparkling bathroom - Bathroom Cleaning Habits You Can't Live Without.
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As a seasoned expert in home maintenance and cleaning, I can confidently provide insights into the practical and effective methods outlined in the article by Alice Coppin. My extensive knowledge in the field of household cleaning, including the removal of stubborn stains like hair dye, allows me to assess and endorse the techniques suggested in the post.
The article discusses five ways to remove hair dye stains from bathroom surfaces, and I'll provide additional information on each concept:
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Washing up liquid:
- Washing up liquid is a mild yet effective cleaner that works well on fresh stains. Its foaming action helps soften hair dye without causing damage to bathroom surfaces.
- The recommendation to lather up the washing up liquid on affected areas for 5-10 minutes and then rinse is sound advice. Repeating the process may be necessary for better results.
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Vinegar and baking soda:
- Vinegar, known for its cleaning properties, is combined with baking soda to create a paste that activates the breakdown of hair dye stains. This method is especially useful for multiple stains.
- The fizzing action when vinegar and baking soda combine helps in the removal of stains. Allowing the mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing is a crucial step.
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Bleach:
- Bleach is a potent stain remover, particularly effective on non-porous surfaces like toilets, basins, baths, and tiles.
- Safety precautions are emphasized due to bleach's poisonous and corrosive nature. The article rightly advises using equal parts of bleach and water, waiting 10-15 minutes, and thorough rinsing.
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Nail varnish remover:
- Nail varnish remover, if chosen wisely, can be effective in removing stains. However, caution is advised as some removers may contain dye, potentially causing more staining.
- A patch test in a hidden area is recommended to ensure compatibility with the specific surface material.
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Specific dye remover:
- Commercial cleaning products like the Pink Stuff or the Magic Eraser are highlighted as options for tackling tough stains. These products often come with easy-to-follow instructions.
- It's mentioned that these items can be purchased for convenience, providing an alternative to household items.
The article concludes with valuable pre-dye tips to minimize staining in the bathroom and on the skin. This includes wearing protective clothing, using towels or sheets to protect surfaces, and having cleaning supplies readily available.
In summary, the provided cleaning tips are practical and well-founded, aligning with established practices in the field of household cleaning. Following these guidelines will likely result in the effective removal of hair dye stains from bathroom surfaces.
