How to Dye Keds Shoes
If you're tired of your plain, white cloth Keds, you are in luck. With a few supplies and some patience, your shoes can be your favorite color in hardly any time at all. This simple and inexpensive project is also a great way to customize shoes for your children to add fun and color to their wardrobes.
Things You'll Need
- Clean cloth Keds shoes
- Five-gallon bucket or sink
- One package of dye powder
- Three gallons plus 2 cups of hot water
- Stir stick
- Warm water
- Cool water
- Mild detergent
Instructions
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1
Remove the shoelaces and set them aside. These can be dyed as well, but not while they are still woven in the shoes.
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2
Dissolve the dye according to the manufacturer's instructions. Add 3 gallons of hot water to the bucket or sink. Use the stir stick to add the dissolved dye to the bucket and stir until the color is evenly distributed.
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3
Wet the shoes, and laces if desired, with hot water, then add them to the bucket or sink full of dye. Leave them immersed for at least 10 minutes, and up to an hour. The longer they are immersed, the deeper the color will be. Stir regularly with the stir stick to ensure even color distribution.
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4
Rinse the shoes, beginning with warm water and continuing with progressively cooler water until no more color bleeds away.
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5
Wash the shoes with a mild detergent and rinse them in cool water. Dry them in the dryer or leave them in an out-of-the-way location to air dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Clean the sink or bucket with chlorine bleach to prevent staining.
Do not attempt to dye shoes that have been treated with water or stain-repelling solution, as the dye will not take.
Wear protective clothing such as gloves and an apron to avoid staining your skin and clothes.
