Henna is a plant-based dye that is often used to make temporary tattoos. Henna can also be used as a hair dye. Although it can go away on its own over time, you may find henna stains that you want to clean up right away. Luckily, you can easily remove henna stains from your skin or fabric using some easily available household items.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Remove Henna Stains from Skin
Step 1. Mix equal proportions of salt and olive oil in a bowl
Olive oil is an emulsifier, while salt is used to exfoliate. So, the combination of these two ingredients will work well to remove henna stains from the skin. You can use any type of salt you want. If you don't have olive oil, you can use special baby oil.
Step 2. Soak a cotton swab in the oil and salt mixture, then rub it into the henna stain
Gently rub the henna-stained area of the skin with this soaked cotton swab. When the cotton dries, replace it with a freshly soaked one. Keep rubbing until the henna stain is gone.
Step 3. Let the oil and salt mixture sit on the skin for 10 minutes, then wash the area
When it's clean, apply a generous amount of the oil and salt mixture. Then, wash the stained area with warm water and mild soap, then rinse thoroughly.
Step 4. Rub the henna-affected area with hydrogen peroxide if the stain persists
If the henna stain has not disappeared from the skin, do not despair. Soak a cotton swab in hydrogen peroxide, then use it to rub the henna stain. When the henna stain begins to fade on the cotton, take a new soaked cotton swab. Continue scrubbing until the henna stain is clean.
Hydrogen peroxide is gentle so it won't irritate the skin. However, if your skin looks dry after using it, apply an unscented lotion to the area
Method 2 of 2: Cleaning Henna Stains from Fabric
Step 1. Remove the stain as soon as possible
Stains are easier to remove right after they form than to wait until the stain dries and soaks into the fabric. If possible, remove the stain as soon as possible.
Step 2. Dry the stained area with a cloth or tissue
Don't rub the stain, as this can widen it. Simply press the absorbent cloth against the stain to absorb as much of the dye residue as possible. You can use paper towels as the dye can stain the fabric. Whenever you try to absorb any remaining dye, use the clean side of the washcloth or tissue to prevent the stain from spreading.
Step 3. Rub laundry soap or cloth cleaner on the stained area with a toothbrush
Squirt a small amount of laundry detergent that is safe for colored clothes on the stain if the stained item is washable. If the stained item cannot be washed, spray the stained area with laundry soap. Use a clean toothbrush to rub the detergent or laundry soap into the fabric. Keep rubbing until you no longer see the stain on the fibers of the fabric.
Step 4. Rinse the cloth with cold water
Pour cold water on the stained area or place it under running water to rinse the laundry soap and any remaining stains clean. Do not use hot water because it can make the stain seep. Keep rinsing until the foam and stain are gone.
Step 5. Apply vinegar or rubbing alcohol to the stained area if the stain persists
If there are still visible henna stains on the fabric, apply a small amount of distilled white vinegar or rubbing alcohol to the stain. Leave it for an hour, then wash it according to the care instructions. If the stained item is too large to wash, rinse the stained area with cold water to remove any excess vinegar or alcohol.
