How Can You Dye Athletic Socks?

Make your white socks colorful by dyeing them at home.

If you have a comfortable pair of socks that you think you might like better in a different color, you have the option to make that change on your own. Fabric dye is available at craft stores, big box stores and even many local grocery stores in a vast array of different colors. Simply choose a new shade and use a free afternoon to turn your socks from bland to bright.

Things You'll Need

• Sink or bucket
• Fabric dye
• Rubber gloves
• Old wooden spoon
• Chlorine bleach

Instructions

1. Fill a bucket or sink with hot water. The water should be deep enough for the socks to be able to move around in it freely.

2. Put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands. Add dye to the water and stir it in with an old wooden spoon that you don't mind throwing away after the dyeing process is finished. If you are using powdered dye, pre-dissolve it in a separate container with 2 cups of water. You should use one package of powdered dye or 1/2 bottle of liquid dye for every 3 gallons of water.

3. Wet the socks in clean, hot water, then place them into the dye bath. Use your large spoon to agitate the socks in the dye for 10 to 30 minutes.

4. Remove the socks from the bath and rinse them out. Begin the rinse with warm water and gradually reduce the water's temperature as the rinsing continues. Stop rinsing when the water runs clear.

5. Dry the socks in a clothes dryer or place them on a rack to air dry. While they are drying, clean the sink or bucket with hot water and chlorine bleach and throw away the wooden spoon.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use a fiberglass or plastic bucket or sink to dye fabric. The dye will permanently stain these materials.

• While dyeing your socks, wear old clothes that you don't mind possibly staining with the dye.

References

• Rit Dye: Sink or Bucket