How to Get Red Dye Out of Clothes

Baking soda serves as a gentle, natural whitening agent that can effectively remove red dye stains from clothes without harsh chemicals. This method works best on small stains and may take a bit longer than using stronger solvents, but it won’t harm your clothes.

1. In a disposable cup, mix ¼ cup of baking soda with enough water to create a thick paste (usually one to two tablespoons).
2. Use your fingers to spread the paste.
3. et it sit for an hour or more.
4. Launder your clothes in a cold-water cycle, avoiding the dryer; instead, air-dry them.

Chlorine Bleach Method

Chlorine bleach is an aggressive cleaning method suitable for removing red dye stains from white clothing, towels, or bedsheets. Exercise caution, as this bleach can weaken fabric fibers. Never use it on black or colored clothing, and work in a well-ventilated area.

1. Load stained white clothes into the washing machine and set it to a hot wash cycle.
2. Add a soak before the main wash.
3. Mix ¼ cup of bleach into a quart of water and add the diluted bleach to the washing machine during the soak.
4. Let the clothes soak for at least ten minutes.
5. Add normal detergent and complete the laundry as usual.

Ammonia Method

Ammonia is effective in removing red dye stains from clothing, acting similarly to bleach but generally safer. Don’t mix it with any other cleaning products.

1. Make an equal amount of solution of ammonia and water.
2. For small stains, use a sponge to dab the solution onto the stain; for larger stains, soak the clothing in a bucket.
3. Let it sit for twenty minutes and then rinse the clothing.
4. If the stain persists, create a solution with a teaspoon of Dawn dish soap, a tablespoon of ammonia, and a quart of water.
5. Submerge the stained area for thirty minutes, then rinse and inspect.

Oxygen Bleach Method

Oxygen bleach, containing hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate, can lift various stains without harming colorfast clothing. Follow the instructions on the bleach bottle or use the following steps:

1. Mix one-eighth cup of oxygen bleach with two cups of cool water.
2. Dip a clean sponge into the solution and blot the stained area.
3. Let the stain rest for thirty minutes.
4. Use a clean white rag to blot again with a mixture of bleach and water until no red dye is visible.
5. Launder the garment as usual without rinsing out the bleach.

Vinegar and Dish Soap Method

This popular home remedy effectively removes stains from clothing of all kinds.

1. Pour one cup of distilled white vinegar into a clean spray bottle using a funnel.
2. Add ¼ cup of Dawn dish soap and shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients.
3. Place a bath towel or thick cardboard beneath the stained garment.
4. Spray the stain thoroughly with the vinegar/dish soap solution.
5. Let the damp stain sit for an hour.
6. Rinse the stain under cool running water.