How to Get Hair Dye Out of Carpet

Quick Action: The Key to Success

When it comes to hair dye stains, timing is everything. The quicker you deal with a stain, the simpler it will be to remove. As soon as the dye spills, blot the stain immediately using a clean cloth or paper towel. Never rub or scrub—this can cause the stain to spread and penetrate deeper into the carpet fibres. By blotting, you’re gently absorbing the dye and preventing it from setting in, which will make deep carpet cleaning easier later on.

For the best results, aim to act quickly, but don’t panic if the stain has been there for a while—we’ve got tips to help you tackle even the most stubborn stains.

Supplies You’ll Need:

• Water (preferably cold)
• Dishwashing soap (e.g., Dawn)
• White vinegar
• Cleaning cloths (preferably white to avoid colour transfer)
• Paper towels
• Sponge
• Optional: Rubber gloves (for more stubborn stains)
• Optional: Ammonia or hydrogen peroxide (for tough stains)

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Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Hair Dye from Carpet

Step 1: Blot or Scrape the Stain

The first step is the most crucial. When a fresh stain occurs, blot the area immediately with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. Gently press down to soak up as much dye as possible without rubbing. Rubbing can push the dye deeper into the carpet, making it harder to remove.

If the stain has dried and formed a hard layer, don’t worry! Simply use a butter knife or a scraping tool to gently lift the top layer of the stain. This step will loosen the dye and make the cleaning process much easier. After scraping, you can proceed to the next steps to fully clean the area.

Step 2: Create Your Cleaning Solution

Once the excess dye has been removed, it’s time to make your cleaning solution. The simplest solution uses common household items. In a bowl or container, mix the following:

• 1 tbsp of dishwashing soap (any kind will work, but Dawn is particularly effective)
• 1 tbsp of white vinegar
• 2 cups of cold water

This solution is gentle yet effective at breaking down the hair dye and lifting it from the carpet. The vinegar works as a natural stain remover, while the dish soap helps break up oils and residues.

Step 3: Apply the Cleaning Solution

Using a clean cloth, sponge, or paper towel, apply the cleaning solution to the affected area. Refrain from scrubbing, as it can worsen the stain Instead, use a gentle dabbing or blotting motion to lift the dye from the carpet. Start from the outer edges of the stain and work inwards towards the centre. This will help stop the stain from spreading.
If the dye is fresh, you may see immediate results. For older stains, you might need to repeat the process a few times or allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before blotting again.

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Step 4: Blot and Repeat

After applying the cleaning solution, you’ll need to blot with a clean cloth or paper towel. Press down gently to absorb the cleaning solution along with any remaining dye. Depending on the size and severity of the stain, you may need to repeat the cleaning process two or three times.

In most cases, you’ll notice the stain lifting with just a few applications. However, stubborn stains, such as those caused by darker hair dye shades like black or red, may require a bit more time and effort.

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Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Once the stain is gone, it’s important to rinse the carpet to remove any remaining cleaning solution. Instead of pouring water directly onto the carpet, use a damp sponge to gently rinse the area with cold water. This ensures that excess solution is removed without oversaturating the carpet, which can cause additional problems, such as water stains or mould growth.

After rinsing, blot the area with a clean, dry towel or paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Allow the carpet to air dry completely. This is crucial to avoid any lingering dampness that can lead to mildew or unpleasant odours.

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Expert Tips for Dealing with Stubborn Hair Dye Stains

While the methods outlined above are effective for most hair dye stains, some can be particularly stubborn, especially if the stain has set in or if you’re dealing with darker dye colours. Here are some additional tips to help tackle the most challenging stains:

Pro Tip: Try Ammonia for Stubborn Stains

If the basic vinegar and dish soap solution isn’t enough, ammonia can be a highly effective alternative for breaking down tough hair dye stains. Ammonia works to break down dye molecules and remove them from the carpet fibres.

To create a stronger solution, mix:

• 1 tsp of dishwashing soap
• 1 tbsp of ammonia
• 2 cups of warm water

Before using this solution on the entire stain, we recommend testing it in a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet to ensure it won’t damage the fibres or cause any discolouration. Once you’ve confirmed it’s safe, follow the same process as before—dab, blot, and repeat until the stain is gone.

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Use Rubbing Alcohol for Residual Stains

After you’ve cleaned the stain, you might still notice some residual dye lingering. In these cases, rubbing alcohol can be very effective at lifting the final traces of dye. Simply apply rubbing alcohol directly onto the stain and work it into the fibres with a clean cloth or cotton pad. Rinse with cold water and blot dry.

Hydrogen Peroxide for White Carpets

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful bleach and should only be used on white or light-coloured carpets. It’s excellent at lifting even the toughest stains, but it can discolour darker carpets, so use it with caution.
Apply hydrogen peroxide to the stain with a cotton swab or sponge, leave it for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water. For particularly stubborn stains, you may need to leave the hydrogen peroxide on for a longer period—up to several hours.Check Out Our: How to Clean Carpet with Vinegar and Baking Soda

When All Else Fails: Commercial Cleaning Products

If the stain still remains after trying these methods, you may need to turn to commercial hair dye stain removers. These products are specifically designed to target and remove stubborn stains. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully, and always test the product on a small area first to ensure it won’t cause damage to your carpet.
However, in some cases, it may be impossible to completely remove a hair dye stain, particularly if the carpet has been exposed to dye for a long time. If this happens, don’t despair—professional carpet cleaning services can often work wonders to restore the appearance of your carpet.

Why Choose South West Cleaners for Carpet Cleaning?

If you’re struggling with stubborn hair dye stains, or any other tough marks, our professional carpet cleaning service is here to help. At South West Cleaners, we use state-of-the-art cleaning technology and eco-friendly products to tackle even the most difficult stains, leaving your carpets looking brand new. Our team of experienced professionals understands the best techniques for safely removing stains without causing damage to your carpet.

Let us handle the mess, so you can focus on enjoying your home. South West Cleaners offers quick, efficient, and affordable carpet cleaning services, all designed to help you keep your home looking pristine.

Don’t let hair dye stains ruin your carpets. Book an appointment with South West Cleaners today, and see the difference our professional cleaning services can make!