Stovetop Method for Rit Dye

Rit dye, now manufactured by Phoenix Brands, launched in 1917, when Charles C. Huffman, created a new home dye that would wash and color fabrics simultaneously. Over the years, the company has developed a catalog of color dyes in a variety of shades and become a brand synonymous with do-it-yourself dyes. Using the available colors, the company boasts you can create 500 colors. Rit’s stovetop method of dyeing fabrics ensures that dark colors penetrate the fibers completely to provide rich results.

Things You'll Need

• Rit dye
• Container
• Water
• Bowl
• Pot
• Mild detergent

Instructions

1. Mix package of powdered dye with 2 cups of hot water to dissolve.

2. Soak the fabric you are dyeing in hot water. This makes the fabric accept the dye readily.

3. Fill a pot with water according to the instructions on the dye. Generally, add 3 gallons of water for each pound of fabric. Ensure that the pot is large enough to allow free movement of the item you plan to dye.

4. Place the pot on a stove and bring the water to boil.

5. Pour the dissolved powder dye or liquid dye into the pot. Stir until the dye is completely mixed with the water.

6. Pull the fabric out of the hot water soak and squeeze the moisture out. Place it into the pot of dye.

7. Stir the fabric in the pot for about 30 minutes while the dye simmers.

8. Place the fabric in a bowl of clean, warm water to rinse off the excess dye off. Continue rinsing in progressively cooler water. When the rinse water is clear, hand wash the fabric with detergent and warm water.

9. Let the item air dry or dry it in a clothes dryer. Remove the dye from the pot with chlorine bleach. Because dye can also stain the pot permanently, clean it immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Rit recommends that you use a mild detergent and rinse the fabric clean with cool water.

• Rit recommends scrubbing with abrasive chlorine bleach powders or gels if you have difficulty cleaning the pot.

References

• Rit: Stove Top
• Rit: A Century of Rit