I tried out color remover on different types of fabric and even stains. I’ve included a video so you can see the process and the results!
This tutorial has helped colors all over the world run for the hills in fear. I walk you through the steps of how to use Color Remover and answer the most important question; does it work?
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 Color Remover
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 type of color can be removed?
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.
How to Use Color Remover
I tried out color remover on different types of fabric and even stains. I've included a video so you can see the process and the results!
Materials
- Natural fabric fibers
- Color Remover
Tools
- Tongs
- Stainless Steel Pot
Instructions
- Start by boiling some water.
- Put your color remover powder in the pot. You'll want to use a whole package if you're doing 1 or 2 towels. If you're doing a small item then half a packet should be fine.
- Put your fabric in the water.
- Use tongs to stir your fabric. I let mine sit for about an hour on low heat.
- Remove the fabric and wash it.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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.