Have you ever had to struggle to clean up after dyeing your hair? If so, you’re not alone. Hair dye can also leave bad stains on your bathtub and other surfaces, making it difficult to remove. Here’s a guide on how to remove hair dye from your bathtub easily and stain-free.
Hair dye is a popular choice for people who want to change their looks. Unfortunately, hair dye can also cause stains on surfaces around the home. Bathtub stains are especially difficult to remove, as they often contain water-soluble dyes. Here’s a guide on how to remove hair dye from your bathtub easily and stain-free.
There are several ways that you can remove hair dye from your bathtub easily and stain-free. All you need is some patience and some common household items. Let’s take a look at how it’s done:

Hair dye stains can be stubborn and difficult to remove, especially from bathtub surfaces. However, with the right methods and a little bit of patience, you can restore your bathtub to its former glory. Let’s explore some effective techniques for removing hair dye stains from your bathtub.
Method 1: Hot Water and Baking Soda
One of the simplest and most common methods to remove hair dye stains is by using hot water and baking soda. Follow these steps:
- Plug the tub and fill it with hot water until the water covers the stained area completely.
- Wear rubber gloves and add half a cup of baking soda to the water.
- Mix the baking soda in the water until it dissolves.
- Let the mixture of vinegar and baking soda remain in the tub for 10 minutes.
- Drain the tub and rinse it with warm water.
This method works well for mild hair dye stains and is gentle on most bathtub materials.
Method 2: Acetone-Based Nail Polish Remover
If you’re dealing with stubborn hair dye stains, an acetone-based nail polish remover can be an effective solution. Here’s how to use it:
- Apply a small amount of acetone-based nail polish remover to a cotton ball.
- Gently rub the stained area with the cotton ball, applying slight pressure.
- Continue rubbing until the stain starts to lift.
- Wipe away the hair dye stain using a clean cloth or towel.
Please note that this method is not suitable for painted or finished surfaces, as the acetone can damage the coating.
Method 3: Vinegar and Baking Soda
Vinegar is a versatile and natural cleaning agent that can help remove hair dye stains from your bathtub. When combined with baking soda, it becomes even more effective. Follow these steps:
- Mix equal parts of vinegar and baking soda to create a paste.
- Apply the paste to the stained area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Scrub the area with a brush or sponge to loosen the stain.
- Rinse the area with water to remove the paste and any remaining dye.
This method harnesses the power of vinegar to break down the dye, making it easier to remove.
Method 4: Bleach and Water
For tougher hair dye stains, you can use a mixture of bleach and water. Here’s what you should do:
- Mix equal parts bleach and water in a container.
- Apply the mixture to the stained area, ensuring it is fully covered.
- Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the bleach to work on the stain.
- Wipe away the bleach mixture using a clean cloth or sponge.
- Rinse the area thoroughly with water to remove any residue.
Bleach is a powerful cleaner, so be cautious and avoid contact with your skin and eyes. Ensure proper ventilation when using bleach.
Method 5: Dish Soap and Hot Water
If you prefer a gentler approach, using dish soap and hot water can help remove hair dye stains from your bathtub. Follow these steps:
- Wet a clean towel and add a few drops of degreasing dish soap to it.
- Scrub the tub, focusing on the areas with hair dye stains.
- Continue scrubbing until the stains start to fade.
- Rinse the tub with water to remove any soap residue.
This method is particularly effective for fresh or recent hair dye stains and is suitable for most bathtub materials.
Considerations for Different Bathtub Materials
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of these methods may vary depending on the material of your bathtub. Here are some considerations for different bathtub materials:
- Porcelain or enamel: The methods mentioned above are generally safe to use on porcelain or enamel bathtubs. However, avoid abrasive scrubbing tools that can damage the surface.
- Acrylic: When cleaning acrylic bathtubs, be cautious with abrasive cleaners or tools that can cause scratches. Stick to milder cleaning agents and gentle scrubbing.
- Fiberglass: Similar to acrylic, fiberglass bathtubs are prone to scratches. Use non-abrasive cleaners and soft sponges or cloths to clean them.
Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of your bathtub before applying it to the entire stain.
Conclusion
Hair dye stains in your bathtub can be an eyesore, but with the right techniques, you can remove them effectively. Whether you opt for hot water and baking soda, acetone-based nail polish remover, vinegar and baking soda, bleach and water, or dish soap and hot water, remember to consider the material of your bathtub and proceed with caution. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can restore the pristine condition of your bathtub and bid farewell to those stubborn hair dye stains.
FAQs
- Can I use these methods on all types of bathtubs? The effectiveness of these methods may vary depending on the material of your bathtub. Test a small area first before applying to the entire stain.
- Will bleach damage the surface of my bathtub? Bleach can be a potent cleaner, so be cautious and avoid contact with your skin and eyes. It may damage certain bathtub coatings, so test it in a small area first.
- Are there any natural alternatives to the methods mentioned here? Yes, vinegar and baking soda are natural cleaning agents that can help remove hair dye stains. You can try these methods before resorting to chemical cleaners.
- How often should I clean my bathtub to prevent hair dye stains? Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent the buildup of hair dye stains. It’s a good practice to clean your bathtub after each hair dye session.
- Can I use these methods to remove other types of stains from my bathtub? While these methods are primarily targeted at hair dye stains, they can be effective for other types of stains as well. Adjust the technique based on the specific stain you are dealing with.