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Important Notes

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.

Disclaimer: With so many generations of washing machines in the market, it’s difficult to pin point a precise process as it differs across brands. Please follow these instructions as a general guideline and use at your own discretion.

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.

Instructions

To determine how much dye is needed, reference this load size guide. If you are trying to achieve a very bold color, 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 lbsUp 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
1 to 1 1/2 lbs0.5 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
1 1/2 to 3 lbs0.7 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
4 to 6 lbs1.8 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.

  1. Before dyeing, remove any visible stains on the garment. This will help achieve uniform color 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.
  2. Wet fabric and place item(s) in the washing machine.
  3. 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 color will be.
  4. Wearing rubber gloves, mix powder or well-shaken liquid dye with 4 cups 950 mL of very hot water. Stir well.
  5. In a separate container, dissolve 1 cup 240 mL of salt in 4 cups 950 mL of very hot water if dyeing natural fibers like cotton or linen. If dyeing silk or nylon, mix 1 cup 240 mL of white vinegar with 2-4 cups 470-950 mL of hot tap water.
  6. Add 1 teaspoon 5 mL of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
  7. Start the cycle.
  8. Remove detergent cup from detergent tray.
  9. Pour the dye solution into the dispenser.  Then, pour the salt or vinegar solution. Flush the dispenser thoroughly with 4 cups 950 mL more of hot tap water.
  10. To enhance the color and reduce color bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following these instructions.
  11. Rewash item in warm water with mild detergent.
  12. 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 2 cups 470 mL of chlorine bleach and run a full wash cycle with 3 old towels.

To determine how much dye is needed, reference this load size guide. 

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
1 to 1 1/2 lbs0.5 kg to 0.7 kg

Extra Medium

Jogging suit, sweater, robe, denim jacket, bath mat (not rubber-backed)

Dry Weight of Fabric
1 1/2 to 3 lbs0.7 kg to 1.5 kg

Large

Curtains/draperies, 4 hand towels plus washcloths, sheet plus 2 pillowcases

Dry Weight of Fabric
4 to 6 lbs1.8 kg to 2.7 kg

Extra Large

Bedspread, chair slipcover, 2 double sheets plus 4 pillowcases, throw rug (not rubber-backed), blanket.

Dry Weight of Fabric
4 to 6 lbs2.7 kg to 3.6 kg

  1. Before dyeing, remove any visible stains on the garment. This will help achieve uniform color results when dyeing. Pre-wash item in warm, soapy water. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption. Leave damp and set aside.
  2. Shake liquid dye bottle and mix dye with 4 cups 950 mL of hot water. Powder dye should be pre-dissolved in 2 cups 470 mL of hot water. Add diluted dye to the basin.
  3. If dyeing natural fibers like cotton or linen, mix 1 cup 240 mL of salt with 4 cups 950 mL of hot water. If dyeing silk or nylon, mix 1 cup 240 mL of white vinegar with 4 cups 950 mL of hot water. Add salt or vinegar solution to the basin.
  4. Place wet item(s) in the washing machine.
  5. Set water temperature to the hottest possible setting and a wash cycle of at least 30 minutes or longer and start the cycle.
  6. 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 color 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.
  7. To enhance the color and reduce color bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following these instructions.
  8. Rewash item in warm water with mild detergent.
  9. 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 2 cups 470 mL of chlorine bleach and run a full wash cycle with 3 old towels.
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