How to Dye Fabrics Using Natural Ingredients

Clothes, towels, and other fabric items tend to fade over time; or perhaps the color of that blouse you like just isn’t quite the right shade. Using a commercial dye is an option, but think about how using those dyes causes chemicals to be washed into our water systems, as well as those chemicals being on our clothes that are then worn on our skin.

There are healthy alternatives to commercial dyes and they’re right in your refrigerator and pantry.

Some of those alternatives include:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Wine
• Beet juice
• Pomegranate juice
• Turmeric powder

There are many more, all it takes is some imagination. I recently dyed some white dish cloths using turmeric powder and I’ve written instructions for how to do it. With some slight variations you can use the instructions for whichever ingredient you choose.

PLEASE NOTE

Dyeing fabrics typically works best with cotton fabrics (clothes, towels, etc).

Natural dyes can stain just as easily as commercial dyes! It's best to use gloves, tongs, and an apron during the dyeing process.

The color from the dyed item can leak onto clothes and other items in the wash! Best to launder separately, or with dark items, for a few washes.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Before dyeing, remove any visible stains on the item(s) to be dyed. Pre-wash item in warm, soapy water without the use of fabric softener. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
2. Fill a large stock pot with water, the ingredient you're using for dye*, and 1/4 cup salt (or 1/4 cup of vinegar if dyeing fabrics containing nylon, silk or wool). 1/4 teaspoon of dish detergent can also be added to help promote level dyeing.
3. Bring the pot to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Be sure to keep an eye on the pot as it can boil over.
4. Pre-wet the item(s) to be dyed.
5. Remove the pot from the burner and using tongs immerse the item into the water, making sure to fully immerse it.
6. Cover pot with lid and allow to completely cool. Occasionally stir the item to help distribute the dye evenly.
7. After cooled, carefully remove the item from the pot with tongs and immediately place into empty washing machine. (I carry my pot over to the washing machine.)
8. Machine wash the item twice with detergent (and preferably with hot water) and set the machine for an extra rinse cycle each time.
9. Dry item in the dryer (preferably on high heat).

*You'll use anywhere from 1/4 cup to 2 cups, depending on what ingredient you're using, and how strong you want the color to be.

Frequently Asked Questions about dyeing fabrics naturally

What is the best natural dye for fabric?

Foods with a red base, such as beets and wine, tend to provide the strongest results.

Do natural dyes wash out?

Natural dyes do tend to wash out more easily than commercial dyes so the best way to preserve the colors is to use hand wash or use the delicate cycle on your washing machine, and wash with cold water and a gentle detergent, and allow to air dry.

What kind of vinegar do you use to dye clothes?

It is best to use white vinegar.