DIY Tie Dye with Bleach: Step-by-Step Instructions!
FRIENDS! Hi! “Tie Dye Week” is going strong over here, and I hope you love today’s colorful activity! I am pumped to share with you a simple way to use tie dye (really, it’s kind of a “reverse” tie dye situation), to revamp some clothes that may have been headed out of your closet and make them feel like they’re brand. spanking. new!
I never in a million years thought I’d be tackling so many “crafty” things – but you guys have spoken – you have really loved our recent projects, like these at-home giant bubbles (click HERE) and whipped hot chocolate (linked HERE).
There are many, many possible projects involving tie dye, that I, for one, was SHOCKED to discover! And because so many of them are SO. FUN., I decided to dedicate an entire week to tie dye in order to get through my favorites!
So about today’s project…after scouring the interwebs, and trying several different techniques, the one that I’m about to share with you is what ended up producing my favorite bleach tie-dye look!
What You’ll Need*:
- Gloves
- Spray Bottle or Squeeze Bottle
- Bleach
- Rubber Bands
- Clothes that you want to funk-i-fy 🎉
(links are affiliates, friends!)
Step 1: Twist!
Take the item of clothing you’d like to transform, and grab it in the center. Twist until the item is bunched up, being sure to keep the part of the item that you want to be transformed the most is still visible. This will ensure that the bleach gets into the twisted section!
Step 2: Secure the item in place with rubber bands.
I tried doing this very tightly, and less tightly, through a long trial-and-error process, and the tighter I secured, the less bleach that made it to the shirt. So, if you’re wanting to see a lot of new color, then don’t make your rubber bands too, too tight.
If doing this process on a hoodie, you can separately secure the sleeves and hood.
Step 3: Mix your bleach solution.
Use one part water and one part bleach. Be sure to 1. Keep far away from kids, wear your gloves, and wear clothing that you wouldn’t mind getting bleach on! I did this process on about 13 items of clothing and used 22 ounces of my bleach/water solution, just to give you an idea.
Step 4: Spray or pour bleach on your items.
I did this in a bathtub, with the windows open and fan on (you’ll DEFINITELY want to use a well-ventilated area because it is POTENT. Like, eyebrow singe-ing potent). Some methods say to put the rubber bands on in a pie shape and then pour bleach on every other “piece of the pie.” I did it both ways and didn’t notice a statistically-significant difference. The only statistics being those in my head, of course.
I DO recommend not being stingy with the bleach, and making sure to get every side of the rolled-up garment.
Step 5: Wait it out.
Sources seem to agree that about 10 minutes is best.
There’s concern that leaving bleach on longer than that may damage the integrity of the clothing item. However, I’ve heard from some people that for thicker clothes, like sweatshirts, it may be better to leave the bleach on for several hours, but I didn’t do that. I did right about 10 minutes with all, and it seemed like that was enough to really change the colors.
Step 6: Rinse.
Use cold water and try to rinse some of the bleach off so it doesn’t spread too much in the washing machine.
Step 6: Wash and dry!
When you put it in the washing machine, use a normal cycle but with COLD water. Dry as per the instructions on the garment you’re using!
I’ve linked everything I used here!
(If you choose to make a purchase here, I may receive a small commission for which I will be extremely grateful for and promise to put it right back into bringing you more helpful content!)
And there you have it!
Now your clothing item is refreshed, fun, and funky!
As a neutral lover, “Tie Dye Week” is bringing me wayyyy out of my comfort zone, but in the best of ways! Be sure to follow along on Instagram or Facebook so that you don’t miss anything! (Not all of my ideas make it to the blog 😉)!
Here are my other tie dye activities you’re sure to love:
- How To Create Personalized Tie Dye Coffee Mugs!
- How to Create Personalized Tie Dye Towels for Your Kids This Summer!
- DIY Ombre Tie Dye: From Plain to Fabulous!
- The Best Tie Dye Fashion Finds!
And check back in here later this week to see how I use tie-dye the OTHER way…from plain white into something fabulous!
What else should I tie dye?!!! Let me know in comments!
Can’t wait, my friend!
XO!
Honestly,
Ann Marie ❤️
More About Me: Hi! I’m Ann Marie, a blogging mama of 3 tiny gals, and a wife to a busy Orthopedic Surgeon. You can find me right here each week, where I help women and mamas like you live your most joy-filled and beautiful lives! I’m inspired by so many topics, and I share them ALL with you: I’m talking home decor, motherhood, style, beauty, marriage (I see you other medical wives!) and more. Encouraging progress, not perfection.
You’ll find me most active on Instagram or Facebook for life between blog posts. And I truly can’t wait to see you there, friend. ❤️💋
To connect, shoot me an email at honestlyannmarie@gmail.com ❤️
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