Update your jeans by dyeing them a darker color or bleaching them and then dyeing them a lighter color. Denim absorbs dye very well and because it's so tough, it can be bleached and colored over and over again.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Machine Washing Jeans
Step 1. Make sure you have an adjustable front loading washing machine
The new washing machines that allow you to set the temperature, time and spin to suit the strength of the fabric are the best choice.
Step 2. Purchase a Dylon denim wash and dye
It's perfect for dyeing jeans black, brown or blue because these dyes are specifically made for denim. There are several other color options but require additional salting and coloring methods.
- If you're afraid that your washing machine or sink will change color, it's a good idea to paint with a bucket instead. If the water that comes out of the washing machine flows into the sink, chances are the sink will change color within a certain period of time.
- You will need one pack of dye for one genie you want to color.
Step 3. Purchase a Dylon pre-dye if your jeans are in a color other than blue, black or white
Using this pre-dye will return the jeans to a neutral color so that you get a final result in the right color.
Step 4. Set the washing machine to the hottest temperature
You can choose the 40 degree Celsius option or the hot wash option.
Step 5. Pour the product into the detergent compartment of the washing machine
Put in the jeans and wash with the dye. Make sure the washing machine is running fully with the maximum amount of water.
Step 6. Wash the jeans a second time
Add a detergent that is not too harsh. Choose a hot temperature again.
Step 7. Remove the jeans and dry
Wash again in the washing machine with a choice of rinsing cylce to clean the remnants of the dye.
Method 2 of 2: Coloring Jeans with a Bucket
Step 1. Wash new jeans
You should also wash them if the jeans are too dirty.
Step 2. Bleach the jeans first if you want a light-colored pair of jeans
Mix water and bleach in a 1:1 ratio. Soak the jeans in a bucket of bleach mixture until they turn cream or white or up to an hour.
Rinse the jeans thoroughly. You can color it immediately after bleaching it
Step 3. Find a plastic bucket or container that can hold four to five gallons of water
Find a place to put it. You can also put it in the yard if you're afraid of the dye getting on your bathroom or kitchen surface.
Step 4. Heat a pot of water on the stove
Boiling water ensures the coloring process goes well. But you can also use hot water from the tap. Pour hot water into the bucket.
Step 5. Weigh your jeans using a cake scale
You'll need half a bottle of dye for every 453 grams of jeans. For a deeper color, use a full bottle.
You can buy Rit dye in a variety of colors at supermarkets and craft shops
Step 6. Pour the dye into the boiling water
Stir well.
Step 7. Stir one cup of salt into two cups of water
Pour this mixture into the bucket containing the dye mixture. Stir well.
Step 8. Add a little dish soap to the dye mixture and stir
Step 9. Wet the jeans with warm water
Squeeze. Dip the jeans into the dye mixture.
Step 10. Stir the jeans continuously for 20 minutes
Then, stir once every 10 minutes to an hour. The longer you let the jeans soak, the darker the color will be.
Step 11. Rinse the jeans in cold water until the water is clear
Squeeze the jeans and then take them inside to wash. You can use a bucket to make sure the dye doesn't drip onto the floor.
Step 12. Wash your jeans using warm water and a mild detergent
Dry the jeans. Wash the jeans separately from the rest of the clothes two or three more times.
Tips
- Wash recently-dyed jeans separately two or three times because the dye can run off onto other clothes, just like the dye from new denim. To find out if the dye from your jeans has faded, wash the jeans with a worn towel or white T-shirt. If the towel or shirt changes color, the dye is still running off.
- To tie-dye your jeans, whiten the jeans or use white jeans. Then, mix in some of the Rit dye by adding a pinch of salt and dish soap to each glass of dye that has been mixed with hot water. Wet the jeans and color the pants with this dye. Make sure you color the front and back. Let this dye soak for thirty minutes or so. Then, wash in the washing machine with the option set to warm. Dry the jeans to dry.
