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Remove Dye, Paint and Color Stains

Dye, paint, and colour stains are tough stains to tackle, and must be dealt with immediately for a better chance at removal. Whether your hair dye accidentally dripped onto your shirt when you were changing your hair colour, or you brushed up against wet paint, here are some solutions for getting dye and paint out of your clothing.

Remove Dye, Paint and Color Stains

Types of Dye, Paint and Color Stains

The first thing you need to do is identify what type of stain you are dealing with. There are many types of dyes and paints, including:

  • Food colouring
  • Oil paint
  • Acrylic paint
  • Food dye
  • Laundry dye
  • Fabric paint
  • Tempera paint
  • Watercolour paint
  • Emulsion paint
  • Latex paint
  • Puffy paint
  • Gloss paint
  • Hair dye
  • Egg paint

No matter what type of colour, dye or paint you are dealing with, getting to the stain as quickly as possible increases your chances for removal.

 

Removing Dye, Paint and Color Stains: Step by Step

Need to remove paint from clothes or get rid of dye on your clothing quickly?

  • Choose a Persil detergent that pairs well with the fabric type and colour
  • Scrape as much of the dye or paint off the fabric as possible
  • Turn the clothing inside out and flush the stain with warm water from the back
  • Pre-treat the stain and wait at least 30 minutes
  • Rinse and wash the clothing
  • Check for any remaining stain

Choose a Detergent and Stain Remover

Check to see if the garment is washable, then select a Persil detergent that works well with the fabric type and colour. White and coloured textiles will benefit from Persil Universal Gel.

Pre-Treat the Stain

Scrape as much paint or dye as possible from the stained area, then turn the clothing inside out and place it under warm, running water. Working from the back of the stain helps keep the dye, paint, or colour from embedding in the fabric further. Apply your chosen detergent to the area and let it set for 30 minutes. Rinse it with warm water again.

Wash Immediately

After you rinse the clothing, wash it immediately in the highest possible wash temperature according to the manufacturer’s label using Persil Universal Gel. When the fabric is clean, check to see if the stain is still there. If it is, repeat the process. Drying the clothing may set the stain.

 

Special Conditions for Dye, Paint and Colour Stain Removal

Getting rid of hair dye or paint on clothing can be difficult, but it is even harder when the clothing has dried. In many cases, hair dye will not come out after it has been through the dryer. One of the best solutions for dried, old, or running stains is to soak the garment in the detergent solution for at least two hours. Use the hand wash dosage for the Persil detergent you opt for.

Homemade and Natural Stain Removers for Dye and Paint Stains

In some cases, natural stain removers or homemade stain removers may work well for removing hair dye and paint stains. However, they may create an even bigger problem. Certain home remedies, like hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice, may bleach coloured clothing permanently. Other remedies, like rubbing alcohol and hairspray, may damage the fibres of delicate fabrics. When removing dye and paint stains, use instead detergents that are specifically made for cleaning your clothes and removing stains.

Struggling to get rid of hair dye or paint from your clothes? These stains are tricky to remove, but these steps can help.

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