How to Get Hair Dye off Your Sink

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Dyeing your hair at home is a fun way to change up your look—but when you rinse your hair out, you might find a giant mess waiting for you. Not to worry! Fortunately, there are a few tried and true methods you can use to clean hair dye stains off of your sink, tub, or shower in no time. Read through this article to pick the product that’s right for you and get your bathroom sparkling clean again.

Things You Should Know

  • Start by cleaning the area with soap and hot water. Use rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover on non-varnished and non-painted surfaces.
  • Try baking soda or Bar Keeper’s Friend as a mild abrasive to scrub stains away. Use caution on porcelain sinks, as they can scratch the surface.
  • For white porcelain, try bleach to remove stains. For colored porcelain, use hydrogen peroxide to get stains out fast.
1

Dish soap and hot water

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Sometimes, a little soap and water is all you need! Grab a clean towel and get it wet, then add a few drops of dish soap. Scrub the sink to remove most of the hair dye and tackle any stains left behind. [1]
    • The great part about using soap to clean is that it’s safe for almost every surface in your bathroom. If you got hair dye on your counter, tub, or shower, use soap to quickly clean it off.
    • Soap might not remove the hair dye entirely. If you can still see some color, move on to another method.
    2. Advertisement
2

Rubbing alcohol

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Grab a bottle of rubbing alcohol and dip a cotton pad into it. Use the cotton pad to rub at the stains to remove most of the dye. Then, leave the cotton pad with rubbing alcohol on it sitting on top of the stain for 5 minutes before rinsing with warm water. [2]
    • Rubbing alcohol is fine for most surfaces except varnished or painted ones. Using rubbing alcohol on surfaces like these can strip the color, so use caution.
3

Nail polish remover

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Pour a bit of nail polish remover onto a cotton pad, then scrub at the hair dye in your bathroom. Grab a new cotton pad with nail polish remover on it and leave it on the stains for about 5 minutes, then rinse the sink with warm water. [3]
    • Like rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover isn’t safe for painted or varnished surfaces.
    2. Advertisement
4

Baking soda

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Mix 1 tsp (5.6 g) of baking soda with water until it forms a thick paste. Spread the paste onto the hair dye stain, then let it sit for 1 hour. After an hour, come back and scrub the stain with a clean cloth before rinsing with water. [4]
    • Baking soda is safe to clean most surfaces, but scrubbing too aggressively can damage some materials, like enamel and porcelain. If you have a varnished or enamel sink or tub, use caution with baking soda, especially when it comes time to scrub the stain.
    • You could also try scrubbing your sink with a Magic Eraser . These sponges are also mildly abrasive, so they work about as well as baking soda does.
5

Bleach

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Pour equal amounts of bleach and water into a spray bottle, then cover up your bathroom countertops with paper towels to prevent overspray. Spritz the stains with the bleach mixture, then let it sit for 1 hour. Rinse your sink with clean water to remove the stains. [5]
    • Using bleach is ideal for white porcelain sinks that could be damaged with other cleaning products.
    • Bleach is a very strong cleaning agent. Always work in a ventilated area, and use gloves to protect your hands when cleaning.
    • Oxygenated bleaches, like OxiClean , also work well on white sinks.
    2. Advertisement
6

Hydrogen peroxide

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Hydrogen peroxide has the cleaning power of bleach without stripping off color. Pour hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle, then spray down the stained area. Leave the peroxide for 30 minutes to 1 hour, then come back and rinse with clean water. [6]
7

WD-40

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5a\/Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5a\/Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    WD-40 is a tough cleaner that can strip stains. Shake up a bottle of WD-40, then spray it onto the stained surfaces. Wait for 30 minutes to 1 hour before wiping up the product with paper towels and rinsing with water. [7]
    • WD-40 is a great choice for stainless steel sinks, because it won’t damage or scratch the surface.
    2. Advertisement
8

Bar Keeper’s Friend

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Hair-Dye-Off-Sink-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Bar Keeper’s Friend is a mild abrasive that can scrub stains fast. Squirt some of the liquid formula onto the sink, then gently scrub it into the surface with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Then, rinse with warm water. [8]
    • If you’re cleaning a porcelain sink, use caution when scrubbing. Since Bar Keeper’s Friend is abrasive, it has the potential to scratch or damage the porcelain on your sink if you scrub too hard.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Bleach Your Hair With Hydrogen Peroxide
      How to
      Choose a Hair Developer: Volume Strength, Application, & More
      What Color Neutralizes Red Tones in Hair? How to Cancel Out Red Hair Dye
      Why Won’t My Hair Take Color Anymore? 7 Reasons & How to Fix It
      The Quickest & Most Effective Ways to Remove Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
      How to
      Use Wella Toner after Bleach
      How to
      Fix Purple Hair from Toner
      How to
      Dye Your Hair With Washable Markers
      How to
      Safely Bleach Hair at Home
      How to
      Prevent Hair Dye from Staining Skin
      How to
      Use Hair Toner
      How to
      Prevent Hair Color from Bleeding
      How to
      Use Elumen Hair Color
      How to
      Remove Brassiness from Your Hair
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.everydaycleaningideas.com/how-to-remove-hair-dye-from-sink/
      2. ↑ https://applianceanalysts.com/clean-hair-dye-stains-showers-baths/
      3. ↑ https://applianceanalysts.com/clean-hair-dye-stains-showers-baths/
      4. ↑ https://idealhomeadvice.com/how-to-prevent-hair-dye-from-staining-bathtub/
      5. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-porcelain-sink/
      6. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-porcelain-sink/
      7. ↑ https://www.everydaycleaningideas.com/how-to-remove-hair-dye-from-sink/
      8. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-porcelain-sink/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 40,474 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement