How to Dye a Shirt White

Look fabulous in your new white shirt.

Look fabulous in a bright white shirt that you dyed yourself. Whether you want to brighten an existing white shirt or change the color of a shirt to white, going white is a two-step process. With the help of bleach and fabric dye, any shirt you want can transform from a bland and dull shade to a vision of white. Dyeing a shirt is an inexpensive way to update your wardrobe; therefore, while dyeing the shirt, consider other items that you may want to dye white.

Things You'll Need

• 2 tubs
• Bleach
• Water
• Vinegar
• Fabric dye
• Stove pot
• Wooden spoon

Instructions

Removing the Color

1. Combine one part bleach with one part water in a tub. Immerse the shirt completely in the tub and leave for one hour. This removes any color in the shirt and take out any stains.

2. Mix together another solution of two parts water and one part vinegar. Remove the shirt from the bleach and water mixture, ring out and transfer it to the water and vinegar solution. The vinegar will halt the bleaching process. Leave the shirt in the solution for 30 minutes.

3. Transfer the shirt to the washing machine to remove any remaining bleach and vinegar. Set the washing machine to a normal cycle with cold water. Do not add detergent.

Add White Dye

1. Mix together the dye solution in a large stove pot as directed by the manufacturer. Set the heat temperature to simmer.

2. Transfer the wet shirt from the washer to the pot. You want the shirt to be wet, not dry, when you place it in the mixture. This helps the dye absorb into the fabric. Stir the shirt with a wooden spoon for the first 15 minutes to distribute the dye evenly.

3. Simmer the shirt in the dye solution once the water temperature reaches 120 degrees Fahrenheit for the time recommended by the manufacturer. The hot temperature opens the cuticle of the fibers to allow the white dye to fully absorb into the shirt.

4. Remove the shirt from the heat and transfer to a sink. Use cold water to rinse the dye from the shirt. If the shirt is not white enough, wait for the shirt to dry and repeat the process.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gloves and old clothing when working with bleach and fabric dye.

• If you want to brighten an existing white shirt, only try bleaching the shirt. If the shirt is still dull, move on to dyeing.

References

• "Threads"; Dyeing with Bleach; Lois Ericson October 2008
• Rit Dye: Tips For Success
• Opulence Acid Dye Immersion: Instruction