I tried out Rit color remover on different types of fabric and even stains. I’ve included a video so you can see the process and the results!
Ever messed up a dye job or wished you could start fresh with fabric? That’s where Rit Color Remover comes in. In this guide (and video!) I’ll show you step-by-step how to use it in the washing machine or by hand, what fabrics it works on, and the real results you can expect.
If you’re removing color you may be looking to ice dye or maybe do a little shibori folding! I have so many dyeing tutorials for you so don’t miss out on those.
Color Remover has interested me for a long time as a tie-dye enthusiast. I tried dark red, orange, and purple. I also tried some synthetic fabrics (which didn’t work but I had to know!)
So what even is this stuff? It is a laundry product designed to remove or lighten the color of fabrics and textiles. It is commonly used when you want to correct a dyeing mistake or prepare a garment for redyeing. Here’s how it works:
- Removing or Lightening Color: Rit Color Remover works by breaking down and removing the dye molecules from the fabric. It essentially reverses the dyeing process, leaving the fabric in a lighter or colorless state.
- Preparing for Redyeing: People often use this when they want to change the color of a garment. By removing the existing color, it creates a blank canvas for the new dye to adhere to, allowing you to achieve the desired color.
- Versatility: Color Remover is suitable for use on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, linen, wool, silk, and synthetics. It can be used with both natural and synthetic dyes.
- Use with Caution: While it can be effective, it’s important to use it with caution. Follow the product’s instructions carefully, as overuse or improper use can weaken or damage the fabric.
Tools to Remove the Color
- Natural fabric fibers
- Rit Color Remover
- Tongs
- Stainless Steel Pot
How to Use Rit Color Remover by Hand (Stovetop Method)
Here is a video but if you’d like step-by-step instructions see those below!
Here’s a basic guide on how to use Rit Color Remover:
- Prepare the Garment: Start with a clean, dry garment. Make sure it’s free from any stains or residues.
- Dissolve the Color Remover: Follow the instructions on the package to dissolve the product in hot water.
- Submerge the Garment: Immerse the garment in the solution, ensuring that it’s fully submerged.
- Stir and Agitate: Gently stir and agitate the garment in the solution to ensure even distribution.
- Check Progress: Periodically check the garment’s color. It may take some time for the color remover to work. You can remove the garment from the solution when it reaches the desired color or when it has lightened sufficiently.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Once you’re satisfied with the color removal, rinse the garment thoroughly with cold water to stop the process.
- Wash and Dry: Launder the garment as usual to remove any remaining residues. Once clean, you can proceed with redyeing if desired.
Rit Color Remover can be a handy tool for DIY fabric projects, but it’s important to use it carefully and follow the instructions to achieve the best results while preserving the quality of your fabrics.
What Fabrics Does Rit Color Remover Work On?
You are going to want natural fibers. Think cotton, rayon and linen. If you see spandex or polyester, just know Rit color remover won’t touch it.
What type of color can Rit Color Remover remove?
Stains: The stain was lifted and not as bright but it wasn’t completely gone! Baby poop is pretty dang pigmented though and I haven’t found anything that gets it out so this didn’t really surprise me.
Bright Colors: This will help you a lot if you want to lighten a bright color. The dark purple and bright orange both turned a tan color. If you wanted to make these both one color you totally could! However, the polyester thread on the hemming remained the color of the towel.
Color from other tie dye: I accidentally washed one of the sleepers with some ice dye and got a lot of teal on the sleeper. The remover got it all the way out.
Does Rit Color Remover Work on Polyester?
Nope. Tried it. Doesn’t touch it.
Rit Color Remover FAQs
Absolutely. Just make sure you have the right expectations going in. If you’re using polyester, it’s not going to work. If you want to get out baby poop stains, it won’t get it all the way out. But it will lighten colors quite a bit to dye over!
Boil your water and add some color remover to it. Stir it and keep it hot as you add your clothes. Let them sit until the color as lightened to your preferred shade. If you’re going to use it in the washing machine, add the full box of color remover to your washing machine and I suggest washing on a hot cycle!
Funny you should ask! I’ve tested them and for me, Rit and Jacquard color remover are essentially the same and pretty inexpensive. If you’re looking to grab something from the grocery store I suggest OUT! White Brite.
No it won’t remove bleach stains. Bleach has already removed the color so color remover won’t do anything.
It’s quick. I’d say color is almost completely out after about 5 minutes if you do it right. I tend to let mine sit a bit because I want color to be totally stripped when I redye.
Yep. It does. It’s very strong and I highly suggest turning on a vent for your stove before you get going. You’ll want to do this in a well ventilated area and use a pot or pan that you won’t be cooking with again. The smell doesn’t stick to the fabric after a couple of washes though!
Here are some other posts you may wanna check out!
Grab my free guide to how to fold tie dye now that you’ve got some awesome blanks to play with!
This is amazing! I can’t wait to try it on some of my stuff. I also want to declare that I can get baby poop out of clothes 99% of the time. White onesies can be white again. I rinse the yellow out, put the clothes in VERY hot water and put oxi clean powder directly on the stain. Let it soak for a couple of hours and then wash. Usually it’s gone after I do that! If the stain is still there, repeat.