How to Get Hair Dye Out of a Carpet

Co-authored by Haim Shemesh

Last Updated: September 15, 2021 References

Removing hair dye from a carpet is possible with the right ingredients and technique. First, try removing it without using harsh chemicals. A mixture of water, vinegar, and dish soap can be used, as well as rubbing alcohol. For a stronger cleaning tool, try an ammonia-based cleaning solution. As a final option, use hydrogen peroxide to remove the stain aggressively. If your carpet is discolored after removing the hair dye, try re-coloring it with a fabric pen.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Dish Soap, Vinegar, and Rubbing Alcohol

1
Mix dish soap, white vinegar, and water. In a large bowl or bucket, pour 2 cups (0.47 L) cups of warm water. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of dish washing liquid and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) white vinegar. Mix the ingredients together.^{[1]
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2
Dab the mixture onto the stain with a clean cloth. Dip a clean cloth into the cleaning mixture. Wring out the cloth to avoid saturating the carpet. Gently press onto the stain with the cloth instead of rubbing it, which could embed it deeper into the carpet fibers.^{[2]
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3
Blot the stain with a dry cloth as you clean. After applying the cleaning mixture onto the hair dye stain, use a clean, dry cloth to blot the area. This dry cloth should soak up some of the dye loosened by the cleaning mixture. Alternate between applying the cleaning liquid and blotting it up with the dry towel until the stain disappears.^{[3]
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- Be sure to use a cloth that you don't mind getting dirty.
4
Sponge the area with water and blot it with another dry cloth. Once the stain is removed, dab the area with a sponge dipped in clean water. Wet the entire area. Use a clean, dry cloth to draw the water out of the carpet.^{[4]
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5
Apply rubbing alcohol if necessary. If traces of hair dye linger, use rubbing alcohol to try to loosen it. Pour the alcohol onto a clean cloth and blot the stain. Repeat this process until the stain is removed.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using an Ammonia Solution

1
Mix an ammonia cleaning solution. If cleaning with dish soap, vinegar, and rubbing alcohol does not work to remove hair dye from your carpet, make an ammonia-based cleaning solution. In a bowl or bucket, mix 2 cups (0.47 L) of warm water with 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of dish soap and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of ammonia. Open doors or windows to create ventilation while you use this solution, which can cause poisoning.^{[5]
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2
Apply the solution to the carpet stain. Put on cleaning gloves to protect your hands. Dip a clean cloth in the ammonia solution and wring it out. Dab it onto the hair dye spill until the entire surface of the stain is covered. ^{[6]
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3
Let the solution sit on the stain for 30 minutes. After covering the stain with the ammonia cleaning solution, leave it untouched to allow the solution to work. Set a timer or cell phone alarm to keep track of the time. Keep children and pets away from the area.^{[7]
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4
Sponge on more solution every 5 minutes until the stain disappears. After 30 minutes, dip a new, clean cloth in the ammonia solution. Wring it out. Dab on more solution and let it sit for 5 minutes this time.^{[8]
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5
Sponge on cold water and air-dry. Once the stain is removed, wet a clean cloth or sponge with water. Dab the water onto the carpet thoroughly and use another clean cloth to blot it out. Let the carpet dry for 24 hours.^{[9]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Removing Stubborn Dye with Hydrogen Peroxide

1
Apply hydrogen peroxide to the stain with an eye dropper. Make sure you cover the stain completely, but avoid getting hydrogen peroxide elsewhere on the carpet. If you don't have an eyedropper, you can also carefully apply the hydrogen peroxide with a teaspoon.
- Note that hydrogen peroxide may strip your carpet of its color, so this should be used as a last-ditch method after trying other options.
2
Let the carpet dry for 24 hours. Leave the hydrogen peroxide on your carpet to work on the stain. Keep children and animals away from the area during this time. Allow a full 24 hours to pass without touching the stain.^{[10]
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3
Dab the area with a wet sponge. After 24 hours, blot out the hydrogen peroxide with water. Wet a clean sponge and gently press it down onto the surface of the stain. Allow the spot to air dry.^{[11]
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4
Re-color the faded area if necessary. If the hydrogen peroxide causes discoloration to your carpet, purchase a felt-tip fabric marking pen at a craft store that closely matches your carpet color. Apply the color in light strokes to the faded part of the carpet until the color is fully applied. Let the area dry for 24 hours and apply more color if necessary.^{[12]
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- Test the marker on a piece of fabric first to see the actual color.