Decorating colourful, fun eggs for Christmas is a great tradition crossing many cultures. Depending on where you come from, you may use different dyes to paint your beautiful eggs. The most common way to dye eggs is by giving them a bath in food colouring. This is an easy technique that gives great results but that is until dye ends up on your hands, tablecloth, clothes, or carpet.
This type of dye stain is possible to get rid of, however, there are a few things you must remember. You should always tend to the stained area as soon as possible and blot at it and never rub it. Press a clean dry cloth on top of the stain to soak up most of the moisture. Do not rub it since you may push the dye deeper into the fibres of the fabric. Another important thing to keep in mind is to never place a stained garment in the dryer because the heat may set the stain and make it hard to remove or even permanent.
In this article, we will talk about the various ways you can get rid of dye stains from clothing, carpets, upholstery, etc. Most of the products included in the cleaning steps are common household ingredients that you probably already have at home. These steps will also work if you are using onion skins, beets, or other plants or natural dyes for your eggs.
Before attempting any of the cleaning tips listed below, make sure you check the fabric care label and follow any specific instructions in order to prevent damage. If the garment is labelled as ‘’dry cleaning only’’, quickly blot away as much moisture as possible, and hurry up to the dry cleaners. Do not forget to identify the type of dye you used.
Removing egg dye stains from clothing
- Flush the stain – Before cleaning the actual stain, it is best to flush it with cold water. Hold the fabric under a running faucet with the wrong side up. The water will push the stain out of the fabric fibres. If you don’t have a faucet on spot, grab a cloth dipped in cold water and blot at the stain. That way you will dilute the dye and help with the cleaning later.
- Treat the stain – Use an enzyme-based heavy-duty laundry detergent (enough enzymes will be able to break down the stain components and help remove it). Use your fingers or a soft-bristled brush to rub the product into the stained area. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- Washing – When done sitting, throw the garment into the washing machine and use your regular cycle. Always check the stained area before putting the piece of clothing in the dryer. If the stain remains, do not do this since the heat will set the dye.
- Soak – To help the cleaning process, mix a solution of oxygen bleach (this bleach is suitable for most types of fabrics, as well as coloured ones) and warm water following package instructions. Soak the piece for 4-6 hours or overnight. If the stain remains, repeat with a fresh oxygen bleach solution.
Cleaning egg dye stains from upholstery and carpets
The same technique can be used for upholstery and carpets. Make sure you check the care label of the fabric to avoid damage.
- Blot the area with a clean dry cloth
- Mix a solution of warm water and dishwashing liquid and dab it on the stain.
- Rinse the area by blotting it with a cloth dipped in plain water. Make sure you remove all soapy residue.
- For stubborn stains mix an ammonia solution. Mix 1 tablespoon of ammonia and 1 cup of cool water. Dip a clean cloth in the solution and blot the stained area. Always check the solution in an inconspicuous area to see if any type of damage to the fabric of the colour occurs.
- Vacuum your carpet or upholstery to fluff up and restore the good looks of the fibres.
Additional tips on how to handle easter egg dye stains
Even though you may be extra careful, egg dye ends up on your hands most often. To get rid of this type of staining, you can use vinegar and baking soda. Here is how to do that:
- Dampen your hands and sprinkle baking soda all over them.
- Add just enough vinegar to create fizzing. Rub your hands together until the dye is gone. The baking soda will act as a mild abrasive and help with the cleaning of the dye.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and if there is still staining on your hands, repeat the steps above. Focus around your nails and at the tips of your fingers since this is where most dye gets stuck.