The Best Way to Dye Fabric
- 1). Fill a sink or other watertight container with hot water. Use enough water to allow the garment to move freely when submerged. Pre-mix the dye powder or liquid with some water in another container, following the manufacturer instructions. The instructions will advise how much water to use with the package of dye. Add the pre-mixed powder or liquid to the sink or container.
- 2). Wet the garment or piece of fabric by running it under hot tap water. Squeeze the fabric, untwist it and add it to the dye mixture. Stir constantly with a plastic utensil or gloved hands following the manufacturer's instructions for timing (typically about 30 minutes).
- 3). Rinse the piece of clothing or fabric under warm running tap water, gradually cooling the water until the water runs clear. Wash the fabric in warm water, using a mild detergent. Rinse it completely in cool water. Air dry the fabric or put it in the dryer, depending on the type of material and its care instructions.
- 4). Clean the sink or container immediately with chlorine bleach to remove the colored dye.
- 1). Fill the washing machine with enough hot water for the fabric or garment to move freely. Measure out the amount of dye you'll need, per the water-dye ratio in the manufacturer instructions. Pre-dissolve the dye in 2 cups of hot water. Add the dye and water mixture to the water in the washer.
- 2). Wet the fabric under hot, running tap water. Squeeze the fabric to remove excess water, untwist it and put it in the dye mixture in the washing machine. Set the washing machine for an extended wash cycle. Typically, 30 minutes are required before the rinsing can begin.
- 3). Set the rinse cycle to cold, and rinse the garment in the washing machine's cold water cycle until the water is clear. If the water is not clear after the first rinse, reset the rinse cycle and run it again. Use the dryer to dry the fabric or air dry it, per the garment's care instructions.
- 4). Clean the washing machine by setting it at the highest water level, using hot water, laundry detergent and 1 cup of chlorine bleach. Run this through a full wash cycle.