How Do I Wash a Tie-Dye Shirt?
It is important to let a newly tie-dyed shirt soak for at least one hour before washing it. It is even better to let it sit for a 24-hour period. Keep it in a warm and moist place, such as a plastic bag.
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Open the bag and remove the rubber bands
Gently unwrap the wet tie-dye creation in a place that can be cleaned if necessary, such as a kitchen sink. Excess dye is likely to drip off, so take precautions. Remove the rubber bands used to tie the design and discard them.
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Rinse with cold water
Open the shirt and give it a good rinse in cold water. Gradually increase the heat until the water is hot. Keep rinsing until the water runs mostly clear.
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Wash in a washing machine
Cleaning the tie-dye shirt in a washing machine removes all the unabsorbed dye. Do not add it to a normal load of laundry, as it is still leaking dye and may stain the other clothes. Use soap as normal and finish by drying with the regular laundry.
