How to Dye Using the Washing Machine
Supplies Needed
Washing Machine Method
- Rit All-Purpose Dye
- Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative (Recommended)
- Washing Machine
- Salt (If Dyeing Cotton, Linen, Ramie or Rayon)
- Vinegar (If Dyeing Nylon, Silk or Wool)
- Measuring Cup
- Small Container
- Rubber Gloves
- Dishwashing Liquid
- Bleach
- Old Towels
Dyeing in a washing machine is the most convenient dyeing method when dyeing large items. However, with so many generations of washing machines in the market, it’s difficult to pin point a precise process as it differs across brands. Accordingly, we only recommend using your washing machine if the item you are dyeing is so large that using your washing machine is the only way to dye the item. If you can dye the item with the Sink or Bucket or Stovetop Method, we always recommend going that route.
Important Notes
Dyeing Synthetics? If you are dyeing synthetic fabric (i.e. fabric containing more than 35% polyester, acrylic or acetate), then you cannot use this method. Due to the complexity of dyeing synthetics, you must use the stovetop method to maintain an almost boiling temperature for the duration of your dyeing.
A note about dye and washing machines: If you have never used dye in a washing machine, we get why you would be nervous! Who wants a purple washing machine? Well, maybe us. Nonetheless, we can promise you Rit won’t permanently stain any metal component on your machine. Rit has been used in washing machines for decades, dating back to the time when the electric washing machine was invented in the 1950s. We coined the phrase “Push Button Color!” in the early 60s to promote the marriage between Rit and washing machines. We even launched liquid dye just so that it would be easier to use Rit in your machine. With that much history, you can feel confident that your washing machine will stay dye free for decades to come.
With the growing popularity of front loading washing machines, we have found that dye may stain the plastic parts around the machine if it is not cleaned up right away; so it’s important to clean up immediately after dyeing, which we detail how below.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
- We do not recommend using a front loading washing machine to dye extra large items or multiple items.
- For top loaders, add more hot water but be careful of overfilling.
- For front loader, add hot water into the tray.
- When the wash cycle ends, take it out immediately.
Select Your Method
Front Loader
Instructions
To determine how much dye is needed, reference this load size guide. If you are trying to achieve a very bold colour, then double the dye ratio.
Small
Gloves, lingerie, tights, socks, scarves, t-shirt, blouse, shirt, vest, pillow cover, placemats, doilies, sheer curtains
Dry Weight of Fabric
Up to 0.5 kg
Liquid
1/4 to 1/2 bottle
Powder
1/2 to 1 box
Medium
Jeans, pants, dress, skirt, uniform, sweatshirt, tablecloth, dust ruffle, canvas tote bag
Dry Weight of Fabric
0.5 kg to 0.7 kg
Liquid
1/2 to 1 bottle
Powder
1 to 2 boxes
Extra Medium
Jogging suit, sweater, robe, denim jacket, bath mat (not rubber-backed)
Dry Weight of Fabric
0.7 kg to 1.5 kg
Liquid
1 to 2 bottles
Powder
2 to 3 boxes
Large
Curtains/draperies, 4 hand towels plus washcloths, sheet plus 2 pillowcases
Dry Weight of Fabric
1.8 kg to 2.7 kg
Liquid
2 to 3 bottles
Powder
4 to 6 boxes
Extra Large
Due to the limited water that front loading machines can hold, we recommend using the sink / bucket method or a top loading washing machine to dye extra large items or multiple items.
- Before dyeing, remove any visibile stains on the garment. This will help achieve uniform colour results when dyeing. Pre-wash item in warm, soapy water without any fabric softener. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
- Wet fabric and place item(s) in the washing machine.
- Set water temperature to the hottest possible setting and a wash cycle of at least 30 minutes or longer. The longer the item is in the dye, the darker the colour will be.
- Wearing rubber gloves, mix powder or well-shaken liquid dye with 950 mL of very hot water. Stir well.
- In a separate container, dissolve 240 mL of salt in 950 mL of very hot water if dyeing natural fibres like cotton or linen. If dyeing silk or nylon, mix 240 mL of white vinegar with 470-950 mL of hot tap water.
- Add 5 mL of dish detergent to the container to help promote level dyeing.
- Start the cycle.
- Remove detergent cup from detergent tray.
- Pour the dye solution into the dispenser. Then, pour the salt or vinegar solution. Flush the dispenser thoroughly with 950 mL more of hot tap water.
- To enhance the colour and reduce colour bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following these instructions.
- Rewash item in warm water with mild detergent.
- To clean the washing machine: Wipe around the inside of the lid and pour a little bleach through the internal dispenser (if there is one) as dyes can get into these areas. Then, fill washer to the highest water level there is and select the hottest water temperature setting. Add detergent with 470 mL of chlorine bleach and run a full wash cycle with 3 old towels.
Top Loader
Instructions
To determine how much dye is needed, reference this load size guide. If you are trying to achieve a very bold colour, then double the dye ratio.
Small
Gloves, lingerie, tights, socks, scarves, t-shirt, blouse, shirt, vest, pillow cover, placemats, doilies, sheer curtains
Dry Weight of Fabric
1/4 to 1 lb / up to 0.5 kg
Medium
Jeans, pants, dress, skirt, uniform, sweatshirt, tablecloth, dust ruffle, canvas tote bag
Dry Weight of Fabric
Extra Medium
Jogging suit, sweater, robe, denim jacket, bath mat (not rubber-backed)
Dry Weight of Fabric
Large
Curtains/draperies, 4 hand towels plus washcloths, sheet plus 2 pillowcases
Dry Weight of Fabric
Extra Large
Bedspread, chair slipcover, 2 double sheets plus 4 pillowcases, throw rug (not rubber-backed), blanket.
Dry Weight of Fabric
- Before dyeing, remove any visibile stains on the garment. This will help achieve uniform colour results when dyeing. Pre-wash item in warm, soapy water without any fabric softener. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
- Using the hottest water setting, fill the machine with enough water for the fabric to move freely.
- Shake liquid dye bottle and add dye to machine. Powder dye should be pre-dissolved in 470 mL of hot water and then added to machine. Mix well to evenly distribute the dye.
- Wet fabric and place item(s) in the washing machine.
- If dyeing natural fibres like cotton or linen, add 240 mL of salt to the dyebath. If dyeing silk or nylon, add 240 mL of white vinegar to the dyebath. Mix well.
- Add 5 mL of dish detergent to the container to help promote level dyeing.
- Items should be in the dyebath for a minimum of thirty minutes to a maximum of one hour before the rinse cycle begins. Use an extended setting, or reset the setting before the rinse cycle starts to extend the wash time. Note that the longer the item is in the dyebath, the darker the colour will be. For bulky items, such as draperies or large slipcovers, we recommend stopping the wash load periodically to detangle and unwind the item. This will help prevent uneven dyeing and lighter areas from forming. Remember to wear rubber gloves when handling the item mid-cycle.
- To enhance the colour and reduce colour bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following these instructions.
- Rewash item in warm water with mild detergent.
- To clean the washing machine: Wipe around the inside of the lid and pour a little bleach through the internal dispenser (if there is one) as dyes can get into these areas. Then, fill washer to the highest water level there is and select the hottest water temperature setting. Add detergent with 470 mL of chlorine bleach and run a full wash cycle with 3 old towels.