A note about dye and washing machines: If you have never used dye in a washing machine, we get why you would be nervous! Who wants a purple washing machine? Well, maybe us. Nonetheless, we can promise you Rit won’t permanently stain any metal component on your machine. Rit has been used in washing machines for decades, dating back to the time when the electric washing machine was invented in the 1950s. We coined the phrase “Push Button Color!” in the early 60s to promote the marriage between Rit and washing machines. We even launched liquid dye just so that it would be easier to use Rit in your machine. With that much history, you can feel confident that your washing machine will stay dye free for decades to come.

With the growing popularity of front loading washing machines, we have found that dye may stain the plastic parts around the machine if it is not cleaned up right away; so it’s important to clean up immediately after dyeing, which we detail how below. 

Front Loader Instructions

To determine how much dye is needed, reference this load size guide. If you are trying to achieve a very bold color, then double the dye ratio. We do not recommend using a front loading washing machine to dye extra large items or multiple items.

1. Before dyeing, remove any visibile stains on the garment. This will help achieve uniform color results when dyeing. Pre-wash item in warm, soapy water without any fabric softener. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
2. Wet fabric and place item(s) in the washing machine.
3. Set water temperature to the hottest possible setting and a wash cycle of at least 30 minutes or longer. The longer the item is in the dye, the darker the color will be.
4. Wearing rubber gloves, mix powder or well-shaken liquid dye with 950 mL of very hot water. Stir well.
5. In a separate container, dissolve 240 mL of salt in 950 mL of very hot water if dyeing natural fibers like cotton or linen. If dyeing silk or nylon, mix 240 mL of white vinegar with 470-950 mL of hot tap water.
6. Add 5 mL of dish detergent to the container to help promote level dyeing.
7. Start the cycle.
8. Remove detergent cup from detergent tray.
9. Pour the dye solution into the dispenser.  Then, pour the salt or vinegar solution. Flush the dispenser thoroughly with 950 mL more of hot tap water.
10. To enhance the color and reduce color bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following these instructions.
11. Rewash item in warm water with mild detergent.
12. To clean the washing machine: Wipe around the inside of the lid and pour a little bleach through the internal dispenser (if there is one) as dyes can get into these areas. Then, fill washer to the highest water level there is and select the hottest water temperature setting. Add detergent with 470 mL of chlorine bleach and run a full wash cycle with 3 old towels.

Top Loader Instructions

To determine how much dye is needed, reference this load size guide.  If you are trying to achieve a very bold color, then double the dye ratio. 

1. Before dyeing, remove any visible stains on the garment. This will help achieve uniform color results when dyeing. Pre-wash item in warm, soapy water without any fabric softener. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
2. Using the hottest water setting, fill the machine with enough water for the fabric to move freely.
3. Shake liquid dye bottle and add dye to machine. Powder dye should be pre-dissolved in 470 mL of hot water and then added to machine. Mix well to evenly distribute the dye.
4. Wet fabric and place item(s) in the washing machine.
5. If dyeing natural fibers like cotton or linen, add 240 mL of salt to the dyebath. If dyeing silk or nylon, add 240 mL of white vinegar to the dyebath. Mix well.
6. Add 5 mL of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
7. Items should be in the dyebath for a minimum of thirty minutes to a maximum of one hour before the rinse cycle begins. Use an extended setting, or reset the setting before the rinse cycle starts to extend the wash time. Note that the longer the item is in the dyebath, the darker the color will be. For bulky items, such as draperies or large slipcovers, we recommend stopping the wash load periodically to detangle and unwind the item. This will help prevent uneven dyeing and lighter areas from forming. Remember to wear rubber gloves when handling the item mid-cycle.
8. To enhance the color and reduce color bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following these instructions.
9. Rewash item in warm water with mild detergent.
10. To clean the washing machine: Wipe around the inside of the lid and pour a little bleach through the internal dispenser (if there is one) as dyes can get into these areas. Then, fill washer to the highest water level there is and select the hottest water temperature setting. Add detergent with 470 mL of chlorine bleach and run a full wash cycle with 3 old towels.