Green Idea: Don't Replace, Dye!

What to do with a nearly new duvet cover that looks washed out with newly painted walls? We were out shopping with a friend when we realized a couple bottles of Rit dye would be the quickest route to the right color. Before & after photos after the jump...

Now, dye isn't something you want to send down the drain on a regular basis. But if the choice is between buying something new (which was dyed at some point, anyway) and reusing something you already have, a bottle or two of dye is likely the greener choice.

We'd forgotten how easy it is: just fill the washing machine with hot water, drop in the fabric, and wait while the machine does the work. It was less expensive, too: two bottles of dye set our friend back $10; the replacement duvet he had his eye on was $240 on sale.

Thanks, Ryan!

Comments (2)

If only dying were this simple ; ). Its important to note a few steps when dying in a washing machine (or dying in general). First off, you forgot to mention to add the die to the hot water ... do this BEFORE YOU PUT IN THE FABRIC. Then, make sure all die is dissolved completely. (if its not you'll get dye spots on the fabric) Stir it up some, add two table spoons of salt, (this will help fix the die that otherwise will wash out). Do not put your piece to be dyed in the washing machine dry. Completely soak the item in water before putting it in the washing machine with the dye. This will ensure better dye distribution. So there are a few hints. I generally let the item soak for a while before I turn on the full cycle. Say 30 minutes. hope this helps.

posted by vickyd on August 11th 2008 at 11:16am
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and please don't do this in a public friggin' washing machine, or if you do, run the machine a few times to make sure all dye is GONE. ugh.

i never had good luck with dying - for me, the dyed item always bled, even a dozen washes later.

posted by kdkaboom on August 11th 2008 at 11:19am
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