Making tie dye is a fun way to give an outfit a new twist. However, dark colors often don't work with tie dye. If you're looking for a way to update dark clothes, tie dye them with bleach! You'll get a cool white design that stands out against dark or bright colors.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Preparing Your Clothes and Workplace
Step 1. Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
Vapors from bleach are very strong and can be dangerous. So make sure you do this project in a place that is exposed to lots of fresh air. If you can, work outside. Otherwise, choose a large room and open a window or turn on a fan.
Step 2. Protect yourself with thick rubber gloves
Bleach is a strong chemical. Even when dissolved, bleach can cause chemical burns to the skin. Wear thick rubber gloves (such as those used for cleaning) to protect the skin when you tie dye clothes with bleach. You can buy it at a cleaning agent store.
Step 3. Choose dark colored cotton clothes
Black is the best color to tie dye with bleach because you will get the best contrast. However, you can also use other colors as long as they are dark enough to produce the same effect. Experiment with different colors to find what you like.
Step 4. Avoid clothes made of delicate fabrics or synthetic fabrics
Bleach cannot affect synthetic materials such as polyester because synthetics are designed not to absorb color. In addition, bleach can also damage softer fabrics such as silk.
Step 5. Spread out an old towel or washcloth
If you are working indoors, protect the worktop surface from bleach. So, cover it with a washcloth or used towel that can be soiled. If you're using an absorbent material like a towel, don't let it get soaked, as the bleach can seep in and damage anything underneath.
If you are working outside, lay something on the ground to protect the clothes from getting dirty during the tie dye process
Method 2 of 3: Creating Cool Designs
Step 1. Twist the garment to make a pattern, then tie it with an elastic band
Space the rubber a few inches. The parts of the garment that are tied with rubber will remain their original color, while those that are not will turn white.
You can come up with really creative designs or simply pinch a piece of clothing and tie it with an elastic for a random and unique look
Step 2. Twist the clothes to create a spiral pattern
To create a traditional spiral tie dye pattern, hold the garment with two fingers and twist or twist it firmly. Keep twisting until the entire garment is coiled into a tight loop. Tie with some rubber bands, then pour in the bleach mixture.
Step 3. Create multiple patterns on the same shirt with multiple ties
If you want to make a random tie dye pattern, use a rubber band to make some small, tight knots on the shirt. Stack it all together, tie it again with a rubber band, then pour in the bleach.
Step 4. Move the rubber and re-spray the garment for a multicolored effect
If you want a layered look, twist the t-shirt, tie it with rubber, pour in the bleach and let it sit for 5-6 minutes. After that, remove all the rubber, turn the shirt back, tie it again with the rubber, then spray it with the bleach mixture. Leave this second process for 8-10 minutes, then rinse.
Step 5. Create a gradient effect on the clothes by dipping them in the bleach mixture
Once the shirt is tie dyed, you can create a cool faded effect by dipping it in. Mix part bleach and part water in a large bucket. Dip the bottom few inches of the T-shirt in the bucket and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to create a gradient effect.
Method 3 of 3: Applying Bleach
Step 1. Fill a spray bottle or squeeze bottle with a mixture of part bleach and part water
You can buy bottles for this project at almost any store that sells cleaning agents. You can use a spray bottle or a squeeze bottle. A squeeze bottle will have a more pronounced effect than a spray bottle, but the results will be similar for both.
Step 2. Apply the bleach mixture to the exposed fabric
Spray or squeeze the bottle containing the bleach mixture onto the clothes. You can vary the quantity of bleach used, depending on how strong you want the discoloration to be. The more bleach you apply, the paler the color will be. You can also create a different look by applying bleach to certain areas only.
Step 3. Let the bleach sit on the clothes for 8-10 minutes
The bleach will change the color of the shirt in about 2 minutes, but it can take 8-10 minutes to fully absorb into the fabric. If you leave it on for too long, the bleach can damage the garment.
Step 4. Wash the clothes in a mild detergent after the waiting period is over
Wash clothes as soon as possible to stop the chemical bleaching process. You can put them in the washing machine with a mild detergent or wash them by hand in the sink or bucket.
If the clothes are washed by hand, wear gloves until the clothes are finished rinsing so that the skin does not come into contact with the bleach
Step 5. Hang clothes and air dry or put them in the dryer
After rinsing thoroughly, the clothes can be air-dried or machine-dried, depending on your habits. After drying, the clothes are ready to wear. Have fun wearing and enjoy the new style!
