How to Dye Red Clothing Black

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Update your wardrobe with easy-to-use clothing dye.

Revamp your exhausted wardrobe without the hassle of shopping or spending hundreds of dollars on new clothes—all you need is dye! Expertise not required; color dull red clothing a chic, fashionable black at home, using just a few simple tools and techniques.

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Things You'll Need

  • Rubber gloves

  • Plastic smock

  • Four gallon metal bucket

  • Measuring cup

  • Glass mixing bowl

  • One 8 oz. bottle of black liquid dye

  • Large plastic mixing spoon

  • Access to hot running water

  • Washing machine

  • Dryer

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Step 1

Put on rubber gloves and smock.

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Step 2

In the mixing bowl, combine 2 cups hot water with 4 oz. of dye. Stir with plastic mixing spoon until concentrated mixture is even.

Step 3

In the metal bucket, combine concentrated dye mixture with three gallons of hot water. Stir until even, creating a dye bath.

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Step 4

Dampen red clothing under running water. Smooth clothing out and submerge it in the dye bath.

Step 5

Stir clothing continuously in dye bath for 10 to 30 minutes, until clothing is saturated.

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Step 6

Remove clothing from dye bath and rinse it with warm water. Gradually reduce the temperature of the water, and continue rinsing until the water runs clear.

Step 7

Machine wash clothing in warm water, using a mild detergent.

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Step 8

Hand rinse clothing in cold water.

Step 9

Machine dry clothing on a low temperature setting, or hang dry if material is delicate.

Step 10

Immediately clean bucket, bowl and mixing spoon with chlorine-based cleaner.

Tip

Wear disposable clothing, in case of accidental spills. Avoid accidental dyeing of hair by securing long hair with a tie or under a shower cap. Dye is available online or at your local grocery or drug store.

Warning

Dye clothing outside if possible, to avoid staining household items or floors. Dye clothing in a well-ventilated area to prevent fumes.

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