How to Remove Hair Dye From Sink – Changing or enhancing hair color is common practice for both men and women. But there’s a dark side to the practice, one that’s all too common: staining your sink, tub, or shower doors.
Has that recently happened to you? If so, you may be staring at those colorful streaks and spots, wondering just how permanent they might be.
Don’t despair! There are several ways to remove hair dye from porcelain and fiberglass finishes, including the following:
Table of Contents
Use Rubbing alcohol
For this DIY method of removing hair dye from sink, all you need to keep in handy is cleaning towels and rubbing alcohol.
- Begin with wiping and drying all the water in the sink with the help of a cleaning towel.
- Proceed with dipping the cleaning towel into the rubbing alcohol.
- Apply it on the stains. This cleanses the stains entirely if the color of the dye is light. However, if the dye used was black, it should at least lighten the stains.
Washing Up Liquid
This method is one of the most common methods people use to remove hair dye from sink. This is because this method is the least harmful of all. Washing up liquid tends to produce foams that are also utilized in several kitchens for removing food marks. Although food and hair dye are entirely different, liquid cleaning may easily remove the color without being harsh on your bathroom sink. All are required to do is:
- Take the washing-up liquid and lather it up on the hair dye-stained sink areas.
- Let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing it properly.
- Repeat the process 2-3 times to loosen up the dye.
The method is considered ideal if the hair dye is fresh and sits on the surface.
Nail Polish Remover
Nail polish remover is another answer to the question- “how to clean hair dye off sink?” Well, this is because Acetone is an active ingredient found in nail polish removers that helps to remove hair dye from sink like magic. Even though nail polish removers work extremely effectively in order to get rid of stains, it’s a possibility that they might stain the sink even more as a few of them contains dye as well. Ensure to cross-check what you have and you can always test it in a tiny and concealed area before committing to a bigger area if you are not convinced.
- Begin with wiping and drying all the water in the sink with the help of a cleaning towel.
- Proceed with dipping the cleaning towel into the nail polish remover.
- Apply it on the stains. This cleanses the stains entirely if the color of the dye is light. However, if the dye used was black, it should lighten the stains.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
In case you are wondering how to remove hair dye from sink with the help of baking soda and vinegar, . Vinegar is said to be an amazing liquid for cleaning bathrooms in general. Nevertheless, adding baking soda to it can add up to the effectiveness of cleaning. This is because when mixed, vinegar + baking soda solution tends to activate the dye components resulting in the breakdown of the dye making it easier to wipe away. Go through the steps given below for removing hair dye from sink:
- Begin with rubbing the paste on the stain gently with the help of a clean towel.
- Rinse it with water.
- In case of multiple stains, try filling your bath with hot water and then add vinegar + baking soda solution to it.
- It will slowly start removing the hair dye stains once the products combine and create fizz.
- Drain the bath after 10 to 15 mins and rinse it with warm water.
Bleach
Bleach is a great way for removing hair dye from sink. It is recognized for lightening and eliminating the molds and mildews building up in the bathroom.
- Mix bleach and water in equal proportions and apply it all over the stained portions.
- Cover the stain properly with the mixture and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse away the mixture thoroughly.
You should always use rubber gloves while handling bleach since it can lead to irritation if it is exposed to the skin. When using bleach, always open a window or use a fan to air out its vapors.
How to Prevent Hair Dye Stains on Your Bathroom Sink
Assess the Material of Your Sink
Two of the most reliable materials for your sinks that are less susceptible to staining are stainless steel and cast iron. Samantha Baker at Best Kitchen Buy emphasizes that both these materials are much easier to maintain as are less prone to staining.
As the name indicates, stainless steel is resistant to stains. It can also endure extremely intense temperatures and is a perfect choice for most bathrooms as well as kitchens. It is known to resist scratches as well. A cast-iron sink is another durable and aesthetic option. Cast-iron sinks are best known for retaining their natural beauty over the years even after using them for several years. They are usually coated with porcelain or enamel, both of which are extremely long-lasting. The layering of enamel on cast-iron sinks helps avoid rusting and staining. Classy enamel is ideal for iron because it covers water stains, making it easier to maintain the sink.
Line the Sink With A Thin Layer of Petroleum Jelly
Vaseline can be a great alternative for painter’s tape. You just need to apply a thin layer of it on the sink surface where you don’t want the dye stain to adhere. Or you can just line the petroleum jelly on the tub to avoid staining. Do not forget to scrub and wash your tub as soon as you rinse it for removing the extra dye and jelly to avoid slippage.
- Dab the vaseline and let it soak for a few seconds on the stain with a wet cloth.
- Carefully blot the stain until it is removed entirely.
- You may have to repeat this process a few times.
Line the Sink Bowl with Saran Wrap
Saran wraps can do so much more than just what you know. It protects your sinks from hair dye stains and prevents them from staining them permanently. The only thing you have to do here is, before dying your hair, line the sink or tub with the plastic wrap and do a hole in the middle for avoiding the clogging of the sink. That is all you are required to do for protecting your sink from all the stubborn hair dye stains. Once done, remove the saran wrap carefully and dispose of it in the trash bin. You can just clean your sink with a damp cloth if you want to after removing the saran wrap.
Keep the Faucet Running Till You Dye Your Hair
One more hack that could help prevent staining of your sink is keeping the faucet running till you dye your hair. You can open your tap while your hair hovers over your sink or tub. This will not let the stain sit permanently on your sink. However, try not to waste a lot of water and wrap up quickly.
Conclusion
To avoid dyeing the bathroom fixtures funny colors, next time cover the shower and sink in soap before you start. The soap will protect the shower, tub, and tile from the dye. If you rinse those surfaces off right away, you should have far less staining, if any at all.