- What gets hair dye out of the carpet?
- How to get hair dye out of carpet at home
- Different methods for removing hair dye from carpets
You’ve dyed your hair, and you’re looking great. But then you glance down at the floor, and your heart sinks. Spilling hair dye on your carpet is a nightmare. You might know how to clean carpets, but removing dye from the fibres is no easy feat. Whether black, blue, brown, or even red, it's a challenge but it is possible.
In this guide, we’ll look at how to get hair dye out of carpet as quickly as possible. You can take many approaches, including using vinegar or cleaning products. Acting fast is the best option, but if you notice the stain late (and it’s dried), there are still ways to deal with it. Read on to learn all there is to know about removing hair dye from carpet fibres.
What gets hair dye out of the carpet?
First, let’s deal with the central problem: Hair dye is stubborn. When it seeps into the fibres of your carpet, you might struggle to get it out. Don’t panic. Some household cleaners and products can help you along the way. Here’s a quick breakdown.
Washing up liquid and warm water
If you’re dealing with fresh, light stains, you may find that some washing-up liquid and warm water does the trick. However, you’ll need to deal with the problem quickly.
Hydrogen peroxide
Light carpets can be difficult to clean. However, you can use 3% hydrogen peroxide to get rid of stains. Keep in mind that using hydrogen peroxide can bleach your carpet.
Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can help lift tough stains, such as hair dye, from carpet fibres. However, this product can be pretty strong, so use it carefully.
Ammonia and water
When permanent hair dye is in the carpet, you can try a combination of ammonia and water. Be careful when using ammonia. Research suggests that spillages in underventilated areas can be hazardous.
Bicarbonate of soda
If you’re looking for a natural alternative, use bicarbonate of soda to lift the hair dye stains out of the carpet.
Check out our DIY baking soda carpet cleaner for more advice.
Commercial carpet cleaner
Of course, there are also plenty of commercial carpet cleaners out there. When deciding which to use, make sure you read reviews and do your research. The more you understand each product, the better position you’re in to make the right decision for your carpet.
How to get hair dye out of carpet at home
If you’ve spilt hair dye on your carpet, you must get to work. Here’s a quick rundown of the steps to get the stain out ASAP.
Step 1: Act fast
First, you need to act fast. Don’t leave a stain and hope for the best. Start by blotting the area with a dry cloth. The idea is to get as much of the dye up and away from the carpet fibres as possible. Don’t rub; this move pushes the dye deeper into the carpet fibres.
Step 2: Use washing-up liquid
Next, you can try using washing-up liquid. Mix a few drops of the stuff with warm water. Soak a clean cloth in the mixture. Blot the stain with the dampened cloth. Keep going until the dye starts lifting.
Step 3: Apply hydrogen peroxide (for light carpets)
If you want to use some hydrogen peroxide, now’s the time. Pour a small amount of the solution onto the stain. Next, leave it to sit for around 5-10 minutes. After that, you’ll need to blot using a clean cloth. Once again, always blot — never rub.
Step 4: Try rubbing alcohol
If you want to try rubbing alcohol, you need to take extra care. Wet a cloth and dip it in the alcohol solution. Then, start blotting the stain again. This method tends to be most effective for removing semi-permanent and temporary hair dye from carpets.
Step 5: Use ammonia and water
If you’re dealing with darker hair dye — or even red dye — you can use some ammonia. Start by combining a tablespoon of 5% ammonia with a cup of warm water.
When you’ve done that, apply the mixture to the stain and blot again until the dye starts to fade. This approach can work well if you want to remove dried black hair dye from a carpet.
Step 6: Scrub with a carpet cleaner
You can use a commercial carpet cleaner if the above does not work. Choose one specifically designed for tough stains and follow the instructions.
Step 7: Rinse and dry
When the stain has completely faded, the final step is to rinse the area well and then dry it. It’s that simple. Make sure you allow it to air dry naturally.
Different methods for removing hair dye from carpets
While the above approach works well if you act fast, different scenarios require different methods. Let’s break down some of the popular approaches you can use:
How to get dried hair dye out of carpet
When dealing with dried stains, you must take a slightly different approach. First, scrape off as much dried dye as possible with a blunt knife or a spoon. Next, use rubbing alcohol and a clean cloth to dab the stain. Finally, rinse and dry the whole area.
How to get black hair dye out of carpet
Spilling black hair dye on your carpet is an absolute disaster. However, there are ways that you can deal with this issue (if you act quickly). One of the best approaches is to use ammonia mixed with water. Blot the area with this solution and let it sit for around 10 minutes, before rinsing well.
How to get blue hair dye out of carpet
Similarly, you may find that blue hair dye is difficult to shift. You can start by blotting the stain with washing-up liquid and warm water. For lighter carpets, use the hydrogen peroxide method. For darker ones, use the ammonia method. When the stain has faded, you’ll want to rinse out any chemicals or products. Rinse the area well and then let it dry.
How to get brown hair dye out of carpet
Believe it or not, brown dye stains respond well to a bicarbonate of soda and water paste. Apply the paste to the stain, let it dry, and then vacuum it up. You can also use rubbing alcohol. As always, rinse and dry the area.
How to get red hair dye out of carpet
Red hair dye can be an absolute nightmare to get out. Try mixing hydrogen peroxide with washing-up liquid and a little warm water. Apply the solution to the area and then blot. Be careful when using hydrogen peroxide, as it can bleach the carpet. Test a small area first. If this process works, you should rinse the area well to get rid of the solution and leave it to dry.
How to get permanent hair dye out of carpet
It’s all in the name! Permanent dye stains are difficult to shift. However, it is possible. Try using either the ammonia or hydrogen peroxide methods we’ve covered above. It may be a case of trial and error. Plus, you might have to repeat the process a few times. Keep going. When you’re done, rinse the area well and leave it to dry naturally.
How to get semi-permanent hair dye out of carpet
As you might imagine, semi-permanent hair dye is slightly easier to deal with. You’ll want to blot the stain immediately. Next, use some washing-up liquid and warm water. If you’re dealing with more stubborn stains, you can use rubbing alcohol and water. Rinse and dry as before!
Don’t cry over spilled hair dye. When this accident happens, it’s important to act fast. Don’t let the stain sit too long, or it may be challenging to shift. Follow the advice in this guide to help you get started. What are you waiting for?
Next up, learn how to remove wax, get rid of lipstick stains and get smells out of carpet.
Q&A
Did we miss something along the way? Check out our frequently asked questions below:
Will hydrogen peroxide bleach my carpet?
Yes, it can do! If you use this chemical, you should first do a patch test somewhere hidden. That way, you’ll know what to expect.
How do I remove hair dye from clothes?
If you've found yourself in a real spot of bother, you might find it helpful to know how to get hair dye out of clothes. Once again, you can use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide for this. Take care with the latter as it can bleach your clothes. Wash your clothes immediately when you’ve treated the stain.
Can I use a steam cleaner to remove hair dye stains from carpet?
We don’t recommend using a steam cleaner to get rid of hair dye, as it can heat the dye and make the stain worse.
Did you get the stain out? Let us know in the comments below!
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