wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. Were talking about setting your tie dye. Sorry to hear that. Its a good idea to use a special detergent, called Synthrapol, to wash out excess dye and prevent the dye colors from mixing. For best results, wash your tie-dye shirt a few times alone before mixing it with other clothing. After three or more washes, you can be confident that it will not ruin your other clothing. Wash the tie-dyed items in the washing machine with hot water and. Set the washer on a normal cold-water cycle and load your tie-dyed fabric in with no more than 4 other tie-dyed items. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. After that, you can wash and dry them with your regular laundry. After youve rinsed the fabric, you can wash it for the first time. Tulip Soda Ash Tie-Dye Enhancer 2-lb. Dye left unapplied after 24 hourswill begin to lose concentration and will result in noticeably weaker color intensity. What if I can't wash my shirt in the washer? ), Your Family Guide To Wisconsin State Fair (2022), Discovery Trail at Retzer Nature Center Now Revitalized and Expanded, 100 Rainy Day Activities for Kids in Metro Milwaukee (2022), Waterford Balloonfest Lifts Off This Saturday Only (2022), Flight Day at Discovery World Features Flight Simulator; NASA Scientists, Free Family Fun Day at Northwestern Mutual Community Park This Sunday. Learn more After youve successfully tie dyed any fabric or clothing, your creation needs to be rinsed and washed. There you have it! What brand of tie dye did you use? And if you dont wear protective clothing, you may stain the clothes you are wearing. I hope this article was useful for you! Does vinegar or salt added to the water help to prevent bleeding or running dye? How long do I need to let the dyed project set? After your initial wash, its a good idea to continue to wash tie dye shirts alone, or with other tie dye items or similarly colored garments. After that, you can wash and dry them with your regular laundry. If youve just tie-dyed a piece of fabric, its important to rinse it out carefully before you wash and wear it for the first time. Then, remove the rubber bands or strings from your fabric. Yes, you can wash tie-dye items for the first time in your washing machine. This summer, so many people are learning how to tie-dye some t-shirts. Let it sit and steep in a plastic bag with the rubber bands on it for at least eight hours (and preferably overnight). Can I wash more than one tie dyed item together without them bleeding on each other? It shouldn't be a problem to wait a few days. Read on to learn the best ways to wash tie-dye and keep your shirts looking bright and vibrant. Sarah Stearns has helped thousands of makers find their next craft project with free patterns and step-by-step tutorials on her blog, sarahmaker.com. If youre not able to air-dry your tie-dye shirt every time, consider drying it in the dryer on a medium or low heat setting. Let set 6-8 hours or longer for most intense colors. % of people told us that this article helped them. For tips on how best to dry tie dyed fabrics, read on! Wash it by itself, but in hot water to ensure that all the extra dye is gone. Do it again. Join today and get 15% off your first order. We know you cant wait to see how it all turned out. You can simply use the vinegar that is probably lying around your house somewhere. The dye reaction happens more quickly at warmer temperatures. Also, do not use fabric softener! A regular detergent means the one you use normally to wash all your clothes with. Place the tie-dyed item in the washing machine by itself or with other tie-dyed items. Its a good idea to remove your shirt promptly from the washing machine after the cycle finishes. Again, its a good idea to wash your tie-dye shirt alone. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. While it sets, make sure to keep the fabric warm enough at least 70F (21C) for the best results. They would most likely shrink in terms of size, but you can wash it in a washing machine and then just hang it somewhere to dry. We use cookies to provide the best possible web experience. After all that work folding and dying your tie-dye pattern, youll want to make sure your tie-garments stay looking their best. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1469603-v4-728px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid1469603-v4-728px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid1469603-v4-728px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid1469603-v4-728px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid1469603-v4-728px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid1469603-v4-728px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid1469603-v4-728px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid1469603-v4-728px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-9.jpg\/aid1469603-v4-728px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-10.jpg\/aid1469603-v4-728px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-11.jpg\/aid1469603-v4-728px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-12.jpg\/aid1469603-v4-728px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-13.jpg\/aid1469603-v4-728px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-14.jpg\/aid1469603-v4-728px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6c\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6c\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-15.jpg\/aid1469603-v4-728px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-16.jpg\/aid1469603-v4-728px-Wash-Tie-Dyed-Fabric-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Kit Party Supplies, 18 Bottles Tie Dye, Rainbow, How to Tie Dye Easy Techniques for Beginners, 17+ Tie Dye Patterns and Folding Techniques, How to Tie Dye with Bleach 5 Folding Techniques, Complete Guide to Knitting Gauge, and How to Measure It, How to Knit Stockinette Stitch for Beginners, 20 Free Crochet Tank and Crop Top Patterns. Soak the shirt in a large tub filled with cold water, then rinse it in the sink with hot water, wring it out well and let it air dry. But after that, youll be safe to wash them with your regular laundry. Yes, you can wash similarly colored tie-dyed items together in the wash for the first time. But after that, youll be safe to wash them with your regular laundry. When you start rinsing, youll see some color coming out of your fabric. After youve allowed the dye to set for 2-24 hours, rinse the dyed item under cold water, leaving the strings or rubber bands in place. Its so important to wash your tie-dye shirt alone for the first time. Last Updated: July 15, 2022 This will prevent the loose and excess dye from staining your skin and getting on other clothing or items. Your third option for this step is to place your tie-dye shirt on a flat surface like a concrete or asphalt driveway and spray it with a hose until the water runs clear. Even then, it is risky. This step will serve you well for months and years to come because your tie-dye shirt and the beautiful designs you worked so hard on will last much longer. The time has come! Pack. Otherwise the excess and loose dye can stain your other clothing, and you could ruin your other clothes and items. Nobody wants that! But then the rinse step to remove the "excess" dye seemed to remove about 95% of it. Always air dry if possible. Spiral, rainbow, and even heart-shaped designs tie-dye patterns are so much fun! This will protect those fabrics from damage. TULIP COLOR is committed to keeping our site accessible to everyone. If your washing machine has a rinse setting, even better! Be sure they understand that youre washing tie-dyed material and may need to run the machine several times. 7 Simple Ways To Get Tie Dye Off Your Hands, How to Tie Dye a Spiral Pattern: A Step-by-Step Guide. Give your shirt another rinse in cold or cool water, wring it out, and let it drip dry until its not dripping anymore. Some tie-dye shirts will need to be washed twice (or more) to ensure that the excess dye does not stain other clothes. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Tip: You may want to wear gloves so that the bright colors dont stain your hands! This will cause the shirt to fade, and the excess dye could stain other clothing in the washing machine. FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OF $30 OR MORE! All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. But how do you wash tie-dyed shirts the first time so that they stay bright and colorful? This is normal. Once its been washed a few times, you should be safe to wash your tie-dye shirt with other clothing in future washes. Whether youre a fan of the traditional spiral design, or more of a bull-eye pattern type person, tie dye shirts are one of the most fun summer craft for kids (and adults!). Wring out the excess water. What is the best dye for polyester fabric? (Synthrapol doesnt help set the dye it just helps wash out the extra dye.). Weve given you super-simple straightforward instructions, easy steps, and helpful hints for how to wash your favorite tie-dye shirt. "It was very helpful. For tips on how best to dry tie dyed fabrics, read on! I usually put the dyed items in a plastic bag to keep them from drying out overnight. You might be safe, but then again, you might not. Create new colors by blending dyes. Let me show you around. SHIPPING ONLY. When using cotton fabric, the best type of tie dye is fiber reactive dye. Rinse the tie-dye bundle under cold running water in a utility sink. And its no wonder why people love them so much. Do I need to cover my dyed project while it sets? Do I need to prewash my fabric before dyeing it? Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. For even more information about tie-dye, check out the following articles: Pin this post: Save this tutorial to your Pinterest boards so that you can come back to it later. Because that, my friends, is that absolute worst! Soaking your fabric in a soda ash solution before dying can give you brighter, more saturated colors. Let your tie-dye shirt or clothing air dry. You can also line-dry them. Your second option is to do this step by hand, by rinsing your tie-dye shirt under cold running water in a large utility sink (the kitchen sink will do just fine, as well!). Behold, your amazing tie-dye creation! Why did they ever leave us? I prefer to wash the tie-dyed garments separately for their first few washes. You can rinse with cold water using a few different methods. Read more. Longer setting times will result in brighter, stronger colors. But its so important that you do not take the tie-dye shirt out of the plastic bag or plastic wrap too soon. For more information about setting tie-dye, read this article: How to Set Tie Dye. No, vinegar does not set tie-dye. Can you wash tie-dye in the washing machine? Looking for your next craft project? Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your page is exactly what I was looking for. Dye colors may blend into dull colors, or the pattern may not be as crisp if you let the fabric sit for too long. Once youve let it sit overnight, its time to throw on some rubber gloves and protective clothing! Rinse the item again under water thats warm, but not so hot that it could scald you. Air drying is better than using the dryer because the high heat can cause your bright tie-dye colors fade and you run the risk of shrinking your shirt. Do not soak it with other clothing because the loose and excess dye will stain the other clothing. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. When youre done rinsing, lay your fabric out on a large piece of plastic wrap to protect the surface underneath until youre ready to wash it in your washing machine. Summer memories are special, and I wish you a very happy summer filled with fun memories with your kids. Select the smallest load size, if applicable. This is because polyester is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum, making it resistant to absorbing dye. Some people recommend setting tie-dye with white vinegar or salt to keep colors bright, but thats just not necessary. Hang your new tie-dye shirt up in the sunshine and watch it blow in the breeze as you admire the bright colors on your awesome new tie-dye t-shirt. If you have any additional questions, feel free to join myFacebook Group. This will extend the life of the colors. How to wash tie-dye items for the first time so that they don't fade in the wash. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. If youre worried about the colors bleeding a lot, you may wish to wash each item separately. Dragonfly Pond and Mollys Pond Now Open at Schlitz Audubon, Milwaukee Public Museum Unveils Future Building Plans and Images, New Narwhal Exhibit Now Open at Milwaukee Public Museum, Live at the Lakefront Returns to Discovery World (Free! How long can I keep a dye once it has been mixed with water? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 617,578 times. When youre working with Procion MX dyes, youll need to pre-soak your fabric in a soda ash solution before dying. Should I wash the shirt by itself on on the cold setting? This will help your tie-dye shirt last a longer time and youll be able to appreciate those bright colors and fun patterns for years to come. Take off the rubber bands, and keep rinsing until the water runs clear. It was always a highlight of my childhood camp experiences, in the sunshine on the craft porch with the other campers, dipping our white t-shirt into the plastic buckets of different tie-dye colors, squeezing the squirt bottles carefully over the t-shirt, and hoping our tie-dye shirt would turn out as cool as we were imagining in our heads. If you dont have a machine at home, ask a friend if you can use theirs. Be prepared for your tie-dyed materials to fade over time. Very Peri | Pantone Color of the Year 2022, CopyRight 2022 Tulip Color All Rights Reserved. But, if youre using the Tulip One-Step tie-dye kits, you dont need a soda ash pre-soak. The dye reaction needs time, heat, and water to create a permanent bond with the fabric. More info . For more info, check out our list of the best tie-dye kits. For the first time you wash your tie-dye t-shirt or clothing, use hot water. The most important thing you can do to ensure your tie-dye doesnt fade in the wash is to select high-quality, colorfast dyes. Using cold water in your initial rinse of your tie-dye shirt helps set the dye. How much water do I add to the dye bottle? Helpful Hints To Make Your Tie-Dye Shirt Last A Long Time, Free Culvers Food Truck Rolls Into Deer District August 3, Root Beer Bash: Free Floats and Family Fun in Glendale (August 6), 10 Things to do With Kids at Irish Fest (2022), Top Weekend Events For Kids (July 28-31, 2022), Giraffe Experience Open Through September 5th at the Zoo, Lakeside at MAM Returns With Free Outdoor Fun, Lynden Sculpture Garden Welcomes Goats to Graze Invasive Species, 5 Beautiful Waterfalls in Milwaukee County (2022), 9 Sunflower Farms Blooming Around Milwaukee (2022), Puppy Pals Live! Comes to Bayshore Next Week (Free! Being as patient as you possibly can be will go a long way towards making all the different colors in your tie-dye shirt come out the best it possibly can. Once the water starts running clear during rinse cycles, you can begin washing the item along with your other clothes without fear of stains. And contrary to what you may have read, you dont need any obscure or fancy ingredients like soda ash. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. And finally, make sure to keep the dyed fabric damp while it sets. If you do get dye on your skin, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Rinse tie-dye items in cold or cool water until the excess dye has been removed and the water runs clear. After all the excess dye has been rinsed out, and after youve washed the dyed item with detergent, you can dry it in the dryer. You can even let it sit longer, up to 24 hours. If you do get some dye on your hands, dont worry. Before you wash tie-dye for the first time, make sure you read this post Ill show you how to wash tie-dye the first time so that the colors dont fade in the wash. That could affect the colors and cause some staining issues. By continuing to use this site, you agree to the use of cookies. Then, mix a small amount of baking soda with a bit of water to make a paste. This is arguably the most fun part of the tie-dye process because you finally get to see how your design turned out when it comes out of the plastic bags and gets free from the rubber bands.