How to Dye Fabric White

Bleach fabric in a well-ventilated area.

Dyeing fabric white involves bleaching or removing color from the fabric. Only use bleach on natural fibers, such as cotton, linen and rayon. Do not use bleach on protein fibers, such as wool or silk, or on synthetic fibers, such as polyester. Common consumer bleaches are found in grocery and other supply stores.

Things You'll Need

• 2 large buckets, 5-gallon size or larger
• Plastic sheeting or garbage bags
• Rubber gloves
• Household bleach

Instructions

1. Set up the work area. Protect the work area by covering the surface in plastic sheeting or ripped-up garbage bags. Place the buckets in the order of how they'll be used: diluted bleach first and water second. Put on the pair of rubber gloves.

2. Dilute the bleach. Pour a mixture of 1 part bleach to 4 parts water into the first bucket. Fill the second bucket with water.

3. Dip fabric into the first bucket until the fabric loses all of its color and becomes white. Add more bleach to the first bucket if the diluted mixture doesn't produce the desired effect. Rinse the fabric in the bucket of water.

4. Wash and dry the fabric after bleaching is finished so it's ready to iron and cut.

Tips & Warnings

• Work in a well-ventilated area. Bleach fabric no longer than two yards at a time to have better control over color removal. Wait until the fabric is dry before deciding if you are done bleaching it because fabric appears darker wet than dry.

• Use caution and protection when working with bleach. The chemical is irritating to skin, eyes and breathing and can be toxic if swallowed.

References

• Threads Magazine
• Natural Dyes International