How to Remove Dye From Clothes
- 1). Examine the clothing to determine if the dye is protein based by looking for dye origins. Plant-based dyes will tend to be protein based, whereas chemical or berry-based dyes are not. If the dye is protein based, avoid the use of heat in all situations.
- 2). Obtain a color stripper from a local fabric store if your goal is to remove all evidence of dye from the garment, which can be helpful in situations involving old stains that are now set forever, or if you were attempting to dye a cloth with a certain pattern and need to start over. Follow the manufacturer's directions for the best results in this scenario.
- 3). Pour boiling water over dye spots in the event of an errant drop of berry-based dye or similar stain (such as wine). In these situations the stains are quickly removed by the intense heat of pure boiling water.
- 4). Rub the spot gently with laundry detergent from the backside of the affected fabric first, and on top of the stain itself if steps 1 to 3 provide no results. Allow the detergent to set on the fabric for roughly 15 minutes and wash. Repeat if necessary, and avoid drying until the stain is fully removed since heat sets many stains.
