Tie-dyeing fabric is a joyful and creative activity, perfect for all ages. Whether it's a fun project at a kids' day camp or a vibrant expression at a jam band concert, the colorful patterns you create can be cherished for years — if cared for properly. To ensure your tie-dyed items remain as vivid as the day you made them, follow these best practices for washing and drying.
Washing Tie-Dyed Items the First Time
Step 1: Rinse Thoroughly with Cold Water
- After your dye has set, rinse your fabric under cold running water while your fabric is still tied-up to remove excess dye.
- Continue rinsing until the water runs clear.
- Remove any rubber bands or ties and rinse again to ensure all loose dye is washed out.
Step 2: Wash Separately with Hot Water
- After rinsing, place your tie-dyed item in the washing machine.
- Add a mild laundry detergent. We like Dropps Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent pods because they are enzyme-free and gentle on fabrics.
- Run your machine on a small load or gentle cycle using the hottest temperature setting.
Step 3: Air Dry or Tumble Dry Low
Drying is a vital step to ensure that your tie-dye stays vibrant.
- We recommend letting your tie-dye shirt air dry in your home to be extra cautious. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause colors to fade.
- If you are a dryer-use through-and-through, use a tumble dry low heat setting.
Washing Tie-Dyed Items After Wear
First Initial Wears
Now that you've washed your tie-dye item for a first time. You're going to want to wash separately or with other tie-dyed items of similar color for a couple loads to ensure there is no dye bleed. You can decrease the water temperature to warm.
Regular Use
Once you've washed your tie-dyed items a few times independently, you should be free from accidental dye transfers. However, please see our favorite tips for continued use of tie-dye:
- Check Colorfastness: Test any questionable garments to be sure it is colorfast before washing it with other colors.
- Turn Inside Out: Turning garments inside out before washing minimized friction and helps preserve colors.
- Pretreat Stains: You can pretreat any stains as you would any other article of clothing.
- Never Use Bleach: Do not use chlorine bleach - it will remove the dye! Use a color-safe, chlorine-free oxygen bleach instead.
- Wash on Cold: We always recommend cold water to maintain color vibrancy.
- Air Dry If Possible: Air drying is gentler on fabrics and helps maintain the brightness of your tie-dye. If using a dryer, opt for a low heat setting.
We hope this leaves you feeling energized and well-equipped for all your end of summer tie-dying! May the colors be bright, and the garments you create be cherished for years to come.