How To Use Rit All-Purpose Dye

A note about dye and washing machines: If you have never used dye in a washing machine, we get why you would be nervous! Who wants a purple washing machine? Well, maybe us. Nonetheless, we can promise you Rit won’t permanently stain any metal component on your machine. Rit has been used in washing machines for decades, dating back to the time when the electric washing machine was invented in the 1950s. We coined the phrase “Push Button Color!” in the early 60s to promote the marriage between Rit and washing machines. We even launched liquid dye just so that it would be easier to use Rit in your machine. With that much history, you can feel confident that your washing machine will stay dye free for decades to come.

With the growing popularity of front loading washing machines, we have found that dye may stain the plastic parts around the machine if it is not cleaned up right away; so it’s important to clean up immediately after dyeing, which we detail how below. 

Front Loader Instructions

To determine how much dye is needed, reference this load size guide. If you are trying to achieve a very bold color, then double the dye ratio. We do not recommend using a front loading washing machine to dye extra large items or multiple items. 

Small

Gloves, lingerie, tights, socks, scarves, t-shirt, blouse, shirt, vest, pillow cover, placemats, doilies, sheer curtains

Dry Weight of Fabric 1/4 to 1 lbsUp to 0.5 kg

Liquid 1/4 to 1/2 bottle

Powder 1/2 to 1 box

Medium

Jeans, pants, dress, skirt, uniform, sweatshirt, tablecloth, dust ruffle, canvas tote bag

Dry Weight of Fabric 1 to 1 1/2 lbs0.5 kg to 0.7 kg

Liquid 1/2 to 1 bottle

Powder 1 to 2 boxes

Extra Medium

Jogging suit, sweater, robe, denim jacket, bath mat (not rubber-backed)

Dry Weight of Fabric 1 1/2 to 3 lbs0.7 kg to 1.5 kg

Liquid 1 to 2 bottles

Powder 2 to 3 boxes

Large

Curtains/draperies, 4 hand towels plus washcloths, sheet plus 2 pillowcases

Dry Weight of Fabric 4 to 6 lbs1.8 kg to 2.7 kg

Liquid 2 to 3 bottles

Powder 4 to 6 boxes