Revamp your exhausted wardrobe without the hassle of shopping or spending hundreds of dollars on new clothes—all you need is dye! Expertise not required; color dull red clothing a chic, fashionable black at home, using just a few simple tools and techniques.
Things You'll Need
Rubber gloves
Plastic smock
Four gallon metal bucket
Measuring cup
Glass mixing bowl
One 8 oz. bottle of black liquid dye
Large plastic mixing spoon
Access to hot running water
Washing machine
Dryer
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Step 1
Put on rubber gloves and smock.
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Step 2
In the mixing bowl, combine 2 cups hot water with 4 oz. of dye. Stir with plastic mixing spoon until concentrated mixture is even.
Step 3
In the metal bucket, combine concentrated dye mixture with three gallons of hot water. Stir until even, creating a dye bath.
Step 4
Dampen red clothing under running water. Smooth clothing out and submerge it in the dye bath.
Step 5
Stir clothing continuously in dye bath for 10 to 30 minutes, until clothing is saturated.
Step 6
Remove clothing from dye bath and rinse it with warm water. Gradually reduce the temperature of the water, and continue rinsing until the water runs clear.
Step 7
Machine wash clothing in warm water, using a mild detergent.
Step 8
Hand rinse clothing in cold water.
Step 9
Machine dry clothing on a low temperature setting, or hang dry if material is delicate.
Step 10
Immediately clean bucket, bowl and mixing spoon with chlorine-based cleaner.
Tip
Wear disposable clothing, in case of accidental spills. Avoid accidental dyeing of hair by securing long hair with a tie or under a shower cap. Dye is available online or at your local grocery or drug store.
Warning
Dye clothing outside if possible, to avoid staining household items or floors. Dye clothing in a well-ventilated area to prevent fumes.