How to Get Hair Dye Stains Off Different Bathroom Surfaces

How to Clean Hair Dye Stains From Different Bathroom Surfaces?
3 Min Read

Sometimes, even the best-laid hair dyeing plans can go wrong. 

You mix the right amount of hair dye in the right proportions and follow all the instructions carefully. But you may still end up splattering microscopic droplets of the hair dye on the washbasin, bathtub, bathroom carpet, or bathroom counter during the application process. 

It’s also possible that during the first few washes, excess dye may have run from your hair. All this could result in hideous dark stains.

The problem with hair dye stains in your bathroom is they look awful. While these unsightly stains will fade over multiple cleanings, they can become a permanent blemish if you don’t address them promptly.

Here are some proven methods to rid different bathroom surfaces of hair dye stains. Jump to each section by clicking on the link below:

Navigate to any section of this post by clicking on the links above.

How to Get Hair Dye Off Bathroom Sink

  1. Wet the stain area.
  2. Spray a coat of Stardrops The Pink Stuff cleaner over the stained area.
  3. Allow the cleaner to stand for one hour.
  4. Scrub the area gently with a cloth scouring pad. You will be able to remove the stains with minimal scrubbing.
  5. Rinse and repeat for stubborn stains.

Some alternatives to Stardrops The Pink Stuff cleaner are Bar Keepers Friend and nail polish remover. However, you need to be careful when you use nail polish remover on a painted or plastic surface as it can cause damage.

Important Note: Whenever you remove hair dye stains, avoid using something that may scratch or damage the surface of the stained area. Also, don’t use steel wool or any harsh abrasive, as it may result in minute scratches that will attract more stains in the future.

How to Get Hair Dye Off Bathroom Sink

How to Get Hair Dye Off Bathtub

  1. Plug the tub and fill it with hot water until the water covers the stained area completely.
  2. Wear rubber gloves. Pour 1 small cup of vinegar into the water. Mix the vinegar into the water in the tub using your hands.
  3. Add half a cup of baking soda to the water. There will be a fizzing action that will help remove the hair dye stains.
  4. Let the mixture of vinegar and baking soda remain in the tub for 10 minutes.
  5. Drain the tub and rinse it with warm water.

For stubborn stains, you can repeat this process. Some alternatives to vinegar and washing soda are pure bleach spray and dishwasher detergent. (Note: Don’t mix them. Using one of them is effective for removing hair dye stains.

How to Get Hair Dye Off Bathtub

How to Get Hair Dye Off Bathroom Carpet

  1. Take two cups of warm water in a basin and mix 1 tbsp of dishwashing liquid detergent and 1 tbsp of white vinegar.
  2. Sponge the stains on the carpet with this detergent/vinegar solution using a clean white cloth.
  3. Using a clean, dry cloth, blot frequently until the stains fade.
  4. Sponge the carpet surface with cold water and blot until the surface is dry.
  5. If the stains have not disappeared, sponge the area with rubbing alcohol. Blot once more until the carpet surface is dry.

For stubborn stains, you can repeat this process. A mixture of dishwashing liquid and ammonia in equal proportions of 1 tbsp is an alternative to dishwashing liquid and white vinegar.

Hairspray is also effective in removing hair dye stains, especially when you use it within minutes after the carpet is stained. A carpet cleaner is equally effective, as well.

How to Get Hair Dye Off Bathroom Carpet

How to Get Hair Dye Off Bathroom Counter

  1. Take 1 tbsp of baking soda and some warm water.
  2. Wear rubber gloves. Mix the baking soda and warm water to the consistency and appearance of toothpaste.
  3. Rub this paste gently on the stained area.
  4. Let this paste remain on the surface of the counter for 1 hour.
  5. Scrub the stain off gently using a sponge or a soft damp cloth.

Alternatives to baking soda include hydrogen peroxide, vinegar and rubbing alcohol. (Note: Never mix these chemicals. Use only one of them for removing hair dye stains)

How to Get Hair Dye Off Bathroom Counter

How to Get Hair Dye Off Bathroom Tiles

  1. Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing equal amounts of vinegar and water, and store this solution in a spray bottle.
  2. Spray generous amounts of the solution on the stained areas.  
  3. Let the solution stand for 15 minutes. 
  4. Scrub off the solution using a soft sponge or brush. 
  5. Rinse the sprayed area with water and wipe clean with a soft cloth.

Ecover Bathroom Cleaner and St@llion 750ml The Pink Stuff Spray are also tile-friendly cleaning agents.

Note: Hair dye stains are not easily visible on dark-coloured tiles. Hence, you’ll need to look carefully to spot them.

How to Get Hair Dye Off Bathroom Tiles

In Conclusion

Hair dye stains are difficult to remove from any bathroom surface, especially when not attended to promptly. This is because the chemicals in the hair dye will penetrate the surface fast and stain a larger area. 

Therefore, as soon as you realise that a surface has been stained, taking quick action is of prime importance, as it’s the easiest way to remove hair dye stains. 

You will find more useful tips on how to remove hair dye stains in our in-depth blog post How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom.

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