How to Use Fabric Dye: Fast, Easy Methods

Dye Clothing and More in the Washer or by Hand

How to dye fabric

The Spruce

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 15 - 45 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins - 2 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $10

Dyeing fabric is an effective way to refresh a fabric that has faded, upcycle a fabric with a new look, or for crafting purposes. Home dyeing kits are easy to use and affordable for changing an item's color. You only need a basin, bucket, or stock pot; for a more hands-off approach, you can use a washing machine. If you use a washing machine, you will need to clean the machine afterward.

Here's how to dye fabrics using a bucket or washing machine approach in eight easy steps.

The Best Dyes for Fabrics

Archaeologists have found that the first mention of dyeing fabric dates to 2600 BC, using natural pigments from bark, leaves, flowers, fruit, and insects. Today, the most common synthetic dye, Rit, dominates the market. It is available in liquid and powder formulas. There are many other brands and a rainbow of colors to choose from.

Some dye types work better on different types of fabrics. Jacquard iDye is preferred for polyester and nylon fabrics, while Jacquard Acid Dye works best on silk fabrics. Dylon All-in-One Dye is a handy drop-in pod for washing machines to dye cotton, linen, and viscose fabrics.

Crafting stores and online retailers sell tie-dye kits. You can also find botanical-based dyes for those who prefer to keep things natural. Extracting color and creating dyes from natural sources produces beautiful results, but synthetic dyes are more effective, producing deeper, richer colors.

Before You Begin

Before dyeing your fabrics, there are a few essential things about fabric dye to consider:

  • Fabric type: Identify the fiber content of the fabric. Natural fabrics like wool, cotton, linen, and silk absorb and capture dyes well. Although synthetic, nylon also absorbs well. However, other synthetic fibers like polyester, spandex, olefin, acetate, and acrylics will not dye evenly unless you use a dye specially formulated for synthetic fibers. Blended fabrics like polyester and cotton also require a dye formulated for synthetics, or else it will result in a muted, heather-like dyed finish.
  • Removing stains: Wash the fabric before you dye to remove any soil, fabric finishes, or sizing in the material. Do your best to remove stains, especially oil stains, since stains affect how dye is absorbed.
  • Removing colors: For printed fabrics and bleach-spotted items, use a color remover or stripping product before you dye. A color stripper will make the dye treatment more even, especially if the dye is light-colored.
  • Dyeing by weight: Estimate the weight of the fabric or items you plan to dye. Many product instructions are based on the weight of the material, so it's essential to use the correct amount of dye for good results.

Having all the supplies you need ready and on hand is required before you begin a project. You can choose a plastic bucket, stainless steel sink, large stock or lobster pot, or standard top-load washing machine as your dying vessel. Do not dye in a fiberglass or porcelain sink because they may stain the basin.

Warning

Do not dye fabric in a front-load or top-load high-efficiency washer. These machines do not use enough water to make the dyeing process successful.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Plastic bucket, stainless steel sink, or standard top-load washing machine
  • Large metal spoon

Materials

  • Liquid or powdered dye(s)
  • Hot water
  • Table salt or white distilled vinegar
  • Plastic drop cloth or old vinyl tablecloth
  • Chlorine bleach
  • Rubber gloves
  • Test fabric or paper towel

Instructions

Liquid fabric dye materials

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

How to Use Fabric Dye in the Washer

  1. Load the Washing Machine

    Fill a clean standard top-load washing machine with hot water.

    Washer machine filled with hot water

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  2. Add the Dye and Fixative

    Add dye, and stir with a metal spoon to mix well. Add one cup salt for cotton fabric or one cup distilled white vinegar for silk, wool, or nylon and stir to combine.

    adding dye to the washer

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  3. Test the Color

    Dip the test fabric or a paper towel in the solution to test the color. If it is too light, add more dye. If mixing colors, adjust accordingly to achieve the look you want.

    White fabric dipped into washing machine

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  4. Add Fabric to Dye Mixture

    Wet pre-washed fabric with warm water and add to dye mixture.

    washing fabric with warm water

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  5. Set the Wash Cycle

    Set wash cycle time to 30 minutes, wash, and rinse.

    setting a wash cycle

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  6. Run a Second Cycle

    When the cycle is complete, run another cycle using a warm water wash and cold water rinse.

    setting a wash cycle

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  7. Dry the Fabric

    Remove fabric and machine or air dry.

    adding dyed clothing to the dryer

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  8. Clean Washing Machine

    Immediately clean the washer by filling it with hot water, add one cup of chlorine bleach, and run a complete cycle.

    cleaning out the washer

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

How to Use the Bucket Method to Dye Fabric

  1. Fill Dyeing Vessel

    Fill a bucket or sink with three gallons of hot water per pound of fabric to be dyed. You could also use a large stock pot or turkey fryer pot on a stovetop, as this allows you to make hot water and keep the water hot for the duration of the dying process.

    Sink filled with hot water

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  2. Mix Dye Solution

    Slip on rubber gloves, add dye to water, and stir well to mix. If using a powdered dye, dissolve it in two cups of hot water before adding it.

    Liquid fabric dye poured in to sink

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  3. Test the Color

    Test dye color with a paper towel or the test fabric to assess color. Add more dye to darken or more water to lighten the color.

    Metal spoon mixing fabric dye in sink

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  4. Add Fabric to Dye Solution

    Wet prewashed fabric with warm water and add to the dye mixture.

    White fabric added to dyed mixture

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  5. Swirl Fabric in Solution

    Using a metal spoon, stir constantly for ten to 30 minutes, depending upon the level of color desired. Try to prevent twisting the fabric, which can cause uneven dyeing. You may want to dip the fabric up and down to keep it untangled.

    Metal spoon mixing fabric in dyed water

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  6. Rinse Fabric

    Remove the fabric from the dye bath and rinse thoroughly in warm water until the water runs clear.

    Dyed fabric removed from dyed bath

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  7. Wash the Fabric

    Hand wash the fabric using a mild detergent and warm water or wash in a washer with an old towel.

    Hand washing dyed fabric in sink

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  8. Dry the Fabric

    Air or machine dry the fabric.

    Dyed fabric air dried on wooden rack

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Tip

NOTE: Immediately clean bucket and tools with a hot water and chlorine bleach solution.

Tips for Dyeing Success

  • Never pour or sprinkle dye directly on the fabric. This will cause the color to be uneven.
  • To achieve the richest color, be sure the hot water is at least 140 degrees F (60 C).
  • Using extra dye will give better results for dark colors like black, deep brown, and dark greens.
  • For the richest colors on synthetic fabrics like polyester, use a dye formulated just for synthetics.
  • A dye fixative will help cotton fabrics maintain the new color longer.
  • Colors will look darker while the fabric is wet and before rinsing.
  • If dyeing a garment multiple colors, start with the lightest shade and move to the darkest.
  • After dyeing, always wash garments separately or with similar colors in cold or warm water. Add an old towel to capture any loose dye.
  • If you cannot find matching buttons for your project, dye them yourself.
FAQ
  • How do you permanently dye fabric?

    You'll need dye, a basin or washing machine, hot water, and a fixative like salt (cotton or linen) or vinegar (wool or silk) to dye fabric permanently. Soak in the dye solution, rinse, wash, then dry.

  • Will fabric dye stain my washing machine?

    The dye can stain your washing machine if plastic parts are not cleaned immediately. To prevent staining, use a cloth or rag, wipe around the door and gasket, and run the "clean machine" or the highest water level setting with the hottest water and a cup of chlorine bleach.

  • Does fabric dye stay?

    Even the best fabric dyes will release color over time, especially when washed in hot water. Wash the garment in cold water and the gentle cycle to prevent fading.