How to Remove Hair Dye Stains From Clothes (2024)

Equipment / Tools

Materials

How to Remove Brown, Black, or Blue Hair Dye From Clothes

1. Spot-Treat With Liquid Laundry Detergent

   When you discover a drip of dye, as soon as possible, rub heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent with stain-lifting enzymes into the stain using a soft-bristled brush and rinse well.

   

   See Also

   Baking Soda for Hair Lightening: Instructions & PrecautionsStain SolutionsHow to Remove Hair Dye from WoodHow to Clean Tiled Floors with Vinegar | Cleaning Guides by Fantastic!

2. Pre-Soak in Chlorine or Oxygen-Based Bleach

   Fill a sink, basin, or bucket with cool water and add oxygen-based bleachfollowing package directions. Submerge the garment and allow it to soak for at least eight hours or overnight.

   If the stain remains and the clothing is white, do another soak with one gallon of water and one-fourth cup of chlorine bleach. Soak for 15 minutes and rinse with plenty of cold water.
   

   Warning

   Do not soak the fabric in chlorine bleach for longer than 15 minutes. Prolonged soaking can weaken the fabric.

   

3. Launder and Air Dry

   Launder the garment, as usual, using cold water. Air dry the clothing, and repeat the process if the stain remains.

   

How to Remove Red Hair Dye From Clothes

1. Soak in Dishwashing Liquid and Ammonia

   Mix a solution of one quart of water, one-half teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap, and one tablespoon of household ammonia in a plastic or glass container.

   Submerge the stained area and allow the stain to soak for 30 minutes. At the 15-minute mark, rub the stained area to loosen the dye.

   See Also

   3 Best Ways to Get Rid of Hard Water Stains from Bathroom Tiles

   Warning

   Never mix ammonia with any soap or detergent that has chlorine bleach in it as the combination produces a toxic gas.

   

2. Soak in Vinegar and Water

   In a separate glass or plastic container, mix one quart of warm water and 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar. Allow the stained area to soak for 30 minutes.

   Launder the garment as usual and then air dry. If the stain is still present, move to the next step.

   

3. Soak in Oxygen-Based Bleach and Water

   Fill a sink with cold water and add oxygen-based bleach following the package directions.

   Submerge the garment for at least eight hours or overnight. Launder as usual and then air dry.

   

When to Call a Professional

If the stain remains on the clothing after these treatments, the dye likely cannot be removed at home. Take the garment to a professional dry cleaner.

If the garment is labeled as dry clean only, take it in as quickly as possible and point out the stain to your professional dry cleaner. They have heavy-duty chemical cleaners that might be able to help. A reliable dry cleaner will tell you upfront if your garment cannot be fixed.