How to Get Hair Dye Off Carpet

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Removing hair dye from a carpet is possible with the right ingredients and technique. First, try removing it without using harsh chemicals. A mixture of water, vinegar, and dish soap can be used, as well as rubbing alcohol. For a stronger cleaning tool, try an ammonia-based cleaning solution. As a final option, use hydrogen peroxide to remove the stain aggressively. If your carpet is discolored after removing the hair dye, try re-coloring it with a fabric pen.

Things You Should Know

  • Apply a mixture 2  c (0.47 L) cups of warm water, 1 US tbsp (15 ml) of dishwashing liquid, and 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of white vinegar.
  • Alternatively, treat the carpet with 2  c (0.47 L) of warm water with 1  tsp (4.9 ml) of dish soap and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of ammonia.
  • Apply hydrogen peroxide to the carpet using an eye dropper as another option.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Dish Soap, Vinegar, and Rubbing Alcohol

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    In a large bowl or bucket, pour 2 cups (0.47 L) cups of warm water, along with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of dish washing liquid and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of white vinegar. [1] Dip a clean cloth into the cleaning mixture, wringing out the cloth to avoid saturating the carpet. Gently press onto the stain with the cloth instead of rubbing it, which could embed it deeper into the carpet fibers.
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    After applying the cleaning mixture onto the hair dye stain, use a clean, dry cloth to blot the area. This dry cloth should soak up some of the dye loosened by the cleaning mixture. Alternate between applying the cleaning liquid and blotting it up with the dry towel until the stain disappears.
    • Be sure to use a cloth that you don't mind getting dirty.
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    Once the stain is removed, dab the area with a sponge dipped in clean water. Wet the entire area. Use a clean, dry cloth to draw the water out of the carpet.
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    If traces of hair dye linger, use rubbing alcohol to try to loosen it. Pour the alcohol onto a clean cloth and blot the stain. Repeat this process until the stain is removed.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Ammonia Solution

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    Put on cleaning gloves to protect your hands. In a bowl or bucket, mix 2 cups (0.47 L) of warm water with 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of dish soap and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of ammonia. [2] Dip a clean cloth in the ammonia solution and wring it out. Dab it onto the hair dye spill until the entire surface of the stain is covered. [3]
    • Try an ammonia solution if cleaning with dish soap, vinegar, and rubbing alcohol does not work to remove hair dye from your carpet.
    • Open doors or windows to create ventilation while you use this solution, which can cause poisoning. [4]
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    After covering the stain with the ammonia cleaning solution, leave it untouched to allow the solution to work. Set a timer or cell phone alarm to keep track of the time. Keep children and pets away from the area. [5]
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    After 30 minutes, dip a new, clean cloth in the ammonia solution. Wring it out. Dab on more solution and let it sit for 5 minutes this time. [6]
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    Once the stain is removed, wet a clean cloth or sponge with water. Dab the water onto the carpet thoroughly and use another clean cloth to blot it out. Let the carpet dry for 24 hours.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Hydrogen Peroxide

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    Make sure you cover the stain completely, but avoid getting hydrogen peroxide elsewhere on the carpet. If you don't have an eyedropper, you can also carefully apply the hydrogen peroxide with a teaspoon.
    • Note that hydrogen peroxide may strip your carpet of its color, so this should be used as a last-ditch method after trying other options.
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    Leave the hydrogen peroxide on your carpet to work on the stain. Keep children and animals away from the area during this time. Allow a full 24 hours to pass without touching the stain. [7]
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    After 24 hours, blot out the hydrogen peroxide with water. Wet a clean sponge and gently press it down onto the surface of the stain. Allow the spot to air dry. [8]
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    If the hydrogen peroxide causes discoloration to your carpet, purchase a felt-tip fabric marking pen at a craft store that closely matches your carpet color. Apply the color in light strokes to the faded part of the carpet until the color is fully applied. Let the area dry for 24 hours and apply more color if necessary. [9]
    • Test the marker on a piece of fabric first to see the actual color.
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      Things You'll Need

      Using Dish Soap, Vinegar, and Rubbing Alcohol

      • Dish washing liquid
      • White vinegar
      • A bowl or bucket
      • Clean cloths
      • Rubbing alcohol

      Using an Ammonia Solution

      • Dish washing liquid
      • Ammonia
      • Clean cloths

      Removing Stubborn Dye with Hydrogen Peroxide

      • Hydrogen peroxide
      • An eye dropper
      • A wet sponge
      • A fabric marking pen

      Tips

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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a17217/stains-hair-dye-may07/
      2. ↑ https://homequicks.com/ways-to-get-hair-dye-stains-out-of-carpets
      3. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a17217/stains-hair-dye-may07/
      4. ↑ https://homequicks.com/ways-to-get-hair-dye-stains-out-of-carpets
      5. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a17217/stains-hair-dye-may07/
      6. ↑ https://homequicks.com/ways-to-get-hair-dye-stains-out-of-carpets
      7. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a17217/stains-hair-dye-may07/
      8. ↑ https://homequicks.com/ways-to-get-hair-dye-stains-out-of-carpets
      9. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a17217/stains-hair-dye-may07/
      1. ↑ Haim Shemesh. Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 May 2020.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you get hair dye on your carpet, you can get it out using a few simple ingredients you probably already have around the house. Try mixing 2 cups of warm water with 1 tablespoon each of white vinegar and dish soap and blotting the stain with it. Alternatively, you can use 2 cups of warm water, 1 teaspoon of dish soap, and 1 tablespoon of ammonia. Apply the mixture and let it sit for 30 minutes before blotting it up. As a last resort, try applying hydrogen peroxide to the stain and letting it dry for 24 hours before blotting it up. Just keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide can strip carpet of its color, so you may need to recolor the area with a felt tip marker. To learn how to dry your carpet after removing hair dye from it, keep reading!

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