Asked on Jul 07, 2020

How to dye a bedspread in my washer without ruining it ?

Sandi
by Sandi

I bought a white summer spread at the thrift store. At first I really wasn't thinking color change but after washing, drying it and getting it on the bed I definitely need color. I checked out cold dye which I could try outside in a tub but most colors are sold out online. Is my only choice to do it in my Maytag and end up with a blue washer using Rit ColorStay or ProLine and hot water?


  16 answers
  • Em Em on Jul 07, 2020

    The staining will not affect following washing loads. You are advised to follow the instructions in the pack and to clean the machine with a separate empty wash cycle (40°) after dyeing.

    Wet fabric and place item(s) in the washing machine. Set water temperature to the hottest possible setting and a wash cycle of at least 30 minutes or longer. The longer the item is in the dye, the darker the color will be. Wearing rubber gloves, mix powder or well-shaken liquid dye with 4 cups of very hot water.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jul 07, 2020

    You should not have a problem, but, my only concern would depend on the type of washer you have. I would not attempt this in my washer, which is a water stingy front loader and uses very little water to do laundry. This machine cleans the clothes by friction of the items rubbing together rather that a top loader where you can decide on the water level or an older model front loader. To tell you the truth, I hate this machine! Best to you.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jul 07, 2020

    Foolproof guide to Dye Fabric in Your Washing Machine

    https://thecrazyorganizedblog.com/dye-fabric-front-load-washer/

  • Patty Patty on Jul 07, 2020

    You can dye in your washer, do not let it spin out, set it to "wash" twice. Afterward, run hot water and bleach through your washer at least twice. Wash a load of dark clothes next, in case there is any dye left in the washer. I used to dye in the washer all the time, never a problem.

  • Maura White Maura White on Jul 07, 2020

    Can you use Rit ColorStay outside and just put hot water in the tub outside? It would be a pain to heat up water multiple times and drag it out to a tub, but it could save your washer. Or wait a few weeks, and I bed some of the cold dye could be back in stock?

  • Deb K Deb K on Jul 07, 2020

    Hi Sandi, hope this helps you out,

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JV-lad1zTA4


  • 17335038 17335038 on Jul 08, 2020

    What is the fibre content of the bedspread? Keep in mind that items made from 100% cotton will accept dye much easier than items made from synthetics. Even when using dye for synthetics,(such as polyester) an outcome without blotchy, or uneven spots is not guaranteed.


    Also keep in mind that as rinsing and spinning is not recommended in the process of dying an item in a washing machine, what you need to do is remove the heavy, soaking wet item from the tub, and hand wring the water out yourself.


    This will involve colored water dripping profusely from the item. If you are concerned about any dyed water staining surfaces or other items in the room, then it is best to undertake this step outside.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Jul 08, 2020

    To infuse color into the bedroom, have you thought of adding colorful pillows, pillow shams, or a colorful throw at the foot of the bed, instead of trying to dye the whole bedspread?


    It would be much less work, less mess, and easier to switch the colors in the decor if you wanted to change them.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jul 08, 2020

    Hello,

    You should be able to by Washing machine dyes for bedspread "Dylon" or other dyes are available in stores or on line! Best wishes.

  • Sandi Sandi on Jul 08, 2020

    Thanks everyone for all the ideas. I did try getting Dylon blue dye is not available and won't be for some time. So I have lots of time to decide. Thanks again

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Jul 08, 2020

    I would mix the dye in the machine first then add the spread see on the box how long to let it soak

  • Holly Lengner - Lost Mom Holly Lengner - Lost Mom on Jul 10, 2020

    If you want to add some color, but don't want to stain your washer, you could try this ice dying technique in a bucket outside.


    https://www.lostmom.org/diy-fabric-ice-dying/

  • Homeroad Homeroad on Jul 11, 2020

    After you are finished dying it in the washing machine I would run the machine through a cycle or two with a little bleach to clean it out