How to Dye Rubber Backed Rugs

While rubber-backed rugs come in many colors and patterns to match many color themes, you may receive the odd hand-me-down rug or a funky rug as a gift that doesn't quite meet your decorating needs. With the right products and time-tested application methods, dyeing your rubber-backed rug is an ideal way to get vibrant color results that you control. The best dyes for rubber-backed rugs are fiber reactive dyes that require no boiling or heat fixing, which can warp the rubber. Rugs come in many fabrics, so make sure your rug is a natural fabric best suited for use with fiber reactive dye.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber backed rug
• 1/2 to 2 tsps fiber reactive dye
• 3 cups non-iodized salt
• 1/4 cup soda ash (sodium carbonate)
• Washing machine
• Synthrapol (mild detergent)
• Large pot or bucket (optional)
• Stirring utensil, large wooden spoon (optional)

Instructions

1. Remove any dirt from your rubber-backed rug by washing on a full cycle in a washing machine. Wash with a mild detergent such as Synthrapol, which is recommended by Jacquard Dyes, maker of Procion MX fiber reactive dye.

2. Prepare your dye well in a large bucket, pot or washing machine. Mix together 3 gallons of hot tap water, salt and dye. Adjust your dye amount for desired color effect. For a lighter color effect, use 1/2 tsp. dye. For the darkest and brightest color use a full 2 tsp.

3. Immerse your rubber-backed rug in the dye mixture for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently. If using a washing machine, alternate between agitating and soaking, though be sure not to let the cycle run through.

4. Remove the rubber-backed rug from the dye mixture and place on drop cloth. Stir 1/4 cup soda ash into the dye mixture until dissolved.

5. Place the rug into the dye mixture, and stir or agitate for 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the desired intensity of your color.

6. Rinse your rug thoroughly, or allow the washing machine to complete a cycle. Follow up with another wash set to hot, using Synthrapol as detergent. Allow to air dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use rubber-backed rugs on vinyl flooring as they will leave a yellow-brown stain even if they are not dyed.

References

• Jacquard Products: Procion Fiber Reactive Dye
• P Burch: All About Hand-Dyeing Q&A
• P Burch: All About Hand-Dyeing Area Rugs