We love tie-dyeing here at Gathered. It’s a brilliant way to upcycle old clothing and bring a splash of colour into your wardrobe.
We love it so much that we’ve created a complete guide to tie-dyeing where we share how to tie-dye as well as multiple patterns, designs, and ideas. It even includes specific techniques such as Shibori tie-dyeing.
But how do you keep your new tie-dye creations looking bright and brilliant? This guide is here to answer all your cleaning questions.
We're going to explain exactly how to wash tie dye and the best products to use when cleaning. We’ve also covered how to wash tie dye when it's newly created and how to wash it once it’s been worn.
Gather all your tie-dye creations, it’s time to get them sparkling clean!
How to wash tie dye
Note: This guide uses how to wash tie-dye shirts as an example throughout. However, this method, tips, and advice apply to all tie-dyed fabrics (accessories, homewares and other garments).
How to wash tie dye out for the first time
Following our how to tie dye tutorial, your tie-dye shirt should have been soaking in a bag for 24hrs.
- First, put protective gloves on and remove your tie-dye shirt from the bag it's been soaking in.
- Rinse the shirt under cold water to remove any excess dye. It’s a good idea to do this in the bath or outside to avoid splashing your clothes and walls.
- Do this several times until the water starts to run clear.
- Remove the elastic bands and rinse some more. Keep wringing and squeezing your tie dye creation to make sure every drop of dye is out.
- Now wash the tie-dye shirt straightaway in your washing machine on a cool cycle. Do not use detergent or softener and make sure your tie-dye shirt is the only thing in the washing machine.
How to wash tie dye out without bleeding
If you’ve followed the above steps your tie-dye shirt shouldn’t bleed. However, there are a few tips we have to ensure the whites of your tie dye stay perfectly white!
Tip one: Time
Make sure you pop your tie-dye creations straight in the washing machine after you’ve rinsed them in the bath. Allowing them to sit around will cause the colours to bleed into one another.
Tip two: Washing cycles
After your initial machine wash, put your tie-dye creations in the washing machine alone for the second or third wash.
They’re safe to wear after your initial wash but due to the heat of a normal washing cycle, there is a risk they could still bleed a little into your normal load.
Tip three: Vinegar soak
Once you’ve put your tie dye in the washing machine for the first time, soak the garment in a cold water and vinegar mixture for 30 minutes.
Use equal parts water and white vinegar for this process (you can buy white vinegar from most retailers and from the link above).
This soaking process will help the dye set into the fabric and prevent it from bleeding.
Tip four: Check your materials
Dye
Poor dye and poor fabric choice can result in your tie-dye bleeding. Make sure you pick a dye that specifically states it can be used for dyeing fabrics. For example, if your material choice is cotton, look for a dye that says it’s suitable for cotton fabrics.
If you’re still unsure what dyes to use then we recommend picking up a tie-dye kit. We rounded up a collection of the best tie-dye kits to get you started.
Fabric
When it comes to fabrics, natural is best. Materials like 100% cotton, Jersey, muslin, and silk are ideal for tie-dyeing.
You can tie-dye synthetic fabrics but the material is less likely to hold and absorb dye. This often creates a faded look, either when first dyeing or after a few washes.
Looking for more ways to tie-dye?
If you’ve enjoyed tie dyeing then we think you’ll love ice dyeing! Head over to our how to ice dye tutorial and pick up a new skill.
How to wash tie dye out without fading
Our tutorial on how to wash tie dye and tips on how to stop dye bleeding should also prevent your tie dye from fading. If you’re still finding your tie-dye creations look washed out, here’s some things you can try:
- Limit the amount of heat on your tie dye pieces creations. Continue washing in cold water and dry naturally, not in a tumble dryer.
- Use natural washing powders, opt for ones that are designed to be gentle on clothing. Ecover is a great product and is eco-friendly too!
- Soda Ash can be used to help your fabric’s fibers absorb the dye. Soak your fabric in the solution for 15-30 minutes before you start tie-dyeing it.
How to wash tie-dye shirts once they’ve been worn
Providing you’ve followed the above steps and tips, your tie-dye shirts can now be washed with your other garments.
You’re free to mix them with your other clothes but we recommend keeping the cycle on a low heat setting. It’s also best to continue using natural detergent and air drying the tie-dye.
How to wash store-bought tie-dye shirts
If you’ve bought your tie-dye shirt from a shop don’t worry, the process is the same.
Wash on low heat, use a more natural detergent, and avoid using softeners.
If you’re worried about the quality of the tie-dye, wash it alone the first few times.
Create colourful clothing with tie dye
Your new tie-dye pieces deserve to be worn and washed well! By following the simple steps and tips we’ve included, your tie-dye pieces will stay colourful for years to come.
Find more tie-dyeing inspiration with Gathered
Now you know how to wash tie-dye, it’s time for the fun part – tie-dyeing everything!
Head over to our collection of 20 different tie-dye patterns and how to make them. These fun experimental ideas will help you make unique tie-dye pieces.
