Learn How To Dye A Rug: The Best Way | Hometalk

Top stories
How To Add a Velcro Screen Door to Keep Bugs Out How To Add a Velcro Screen Door to Keep Bugs Out How to Kill Weeds Naturally How to Kill Weeds Naturally How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets See Edits
  • DIY Projects
  • Rooms & Spaces
  • Floors & Ceilings
English
  • Español
  • Português
44K Views How to Dye a Rug to Bring It Back to Life Abbie M by Abbie M (IC: employee) 2 Materials $20 2 Days Easy View materials (2)

Do you have an old rug that is faded or stained? Rather than throw it out, you could breathe new life into a rug by dyeing it.

This is easier to do than you might think, and it gives terrific results that will give you a spectacular new item to use in your home.

Learn how to dye a rug below and see how easy it is to get a great new look for a rug that has seen better days.

{ "id": "5912714", "alt": "", "title": "", "video_library_id": "4877", "thumbnail": "https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2019/10/11/5912714/how-to-dye-a-rug-to-bring-it-back-to-life.jpg" } { "width": 634, "height": 357, "showRelated": true, "noautoplay": "" } [{"sources":[{"type":"video\/mp4","src":"https:\/\/video-cdn-prod.b-cdn.net\/hometalk\/2023\/01\/25\/23731\/23731_source-406.mp4","label":"406p"},{"type":"video\/mp4","src":"https:\/\/video-cdn-prod.b-cdn.net\/hometalk\/2023\/01\/25\/23731\/23731_source-720.mp4","label":"720p"},{"type":"video\/mp4","src":"https:\/\/video-cdn-prod.b-cdn.net\/hometalk\/2023\/01\/25\/23731\/23731_source-1080.mp4","label":"1080p"}],"poster":"https:\/\/cdn-fastly.hometalk.com\/media\/videos\/2023\/01\/25\/23731\/thumbnail.jpg","media":{"video_library_id":23731,"thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn-fastly.hometalk.com\/media\/videos\/2023\/01\/25\/23731\/thumbnail.jpg"}},{"sources":[{"type":"video\/mp4","src":"https:\/\/video-cdn-prod.b-cdn.net\/hometalk\/2022\/04\/15\/17199\/17199_source-406.mp4","label":"406p"},{"type":"video\/mp4","src":"https:\/\/video-cdn-prod.b-cdn.net\/hometalk\/2022\/04\/15\/17199\/17199_source-720.mp4","label":"720p"},{"type":"video\/mp4","src":"https:\/\/video-cdn-prod.b-cdn.net\/hometalk\/2022\/04\/15\/17199\/17199_source-1080.mp4","label":"1080p"}],"poster":"https:\/\/cdn-fastly.hometalk.com\/media\/videos\/2022\/04\/15\/17199\/thumbnail.jpg","media":{"video_library_id":17199,"thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn-fastly.hometalk.com\/media\/videos\/2022\/04\/15\/17199\/thumbnail.jpg"}},{"sources":[{"type":"application\/vnd.apple.mpegurl","src":"https:\/\/video-cdn-prod.b-cdn.net\/hometalk\/2021\/12\/12\/13070\/ilSZfzki.m3u8","label":"HLS"},{"type":"video\/mp4","src":"https:\/\/video-cdn-prod.b-cdn.net\/hometalk\/2021\/12\/12\/13070\/13070_1080p_h264.mp4","label":"1080p"},{"type":"video\/mp4","src":"https:\/\/video-cdn-prod.b-cdn.net\/hometalk\/2021\/12\/12\/13070\/13070_720p_h264.mp4","label":"720p"},{"type":"video\/mp4","src":"https:\/\/video-cdn-prod.b-cdn.net\/hometalk\/2021\/12\/12\/13070\/13070_406p_h264.mp4","label":"406p"},{"type":"video\/mp4","src":"https:\/\/video-cdn-prod.b-cdn.net\/hometalk\/2021\/12\/12\/13070\/13070_270p_h264.mp4","label":"270p"},{"type":"video\/mp4","src":"https:\/\/video-cdn-prod.b-cdn.net\/hometalk\/2021\/12\/12\/13070\/13070_180p_h264.mp4","label":"180p"}],"poster":"https:\/\/cdn-fastly.hometalk.com\/media\/videos\/21\/12\/12\/13070\/thumbnail.jpg","media":{"video_library_id":13070,"thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn-fastly.hometalk.com\/media\/videos\/21\/12\/12\/13070\/thumbnail.jpg"}},{"sources":[{"type":"video\/mp4","src":"https:\/\/video-cdn-prod.b-cdn.net\/hometalk\/2022\/07\/20\/19304\/19304_source-406.mp4","label":"406p"},{"type":"video\/mp4","src":"https:\/\/video-cdn-prod.b-cdn.net\/hometalk\/2022\/07\/20\/19304\/19304_source-720.mp4","label":"720p"},{"type":"video\/mp4","src":"https:\/\/video-cdn-prod.b-cdn.net\/hometalk\/2022\/07\/20\/19304\/19304_source-1080.mp4","label":"1080p"}],"poster":"https:\/\/cdn-fastly.hometalk.com\/media\/videos\/2022\/07\/20\/19304\/thumbnail.jpg","media":{"video_library_id":19304,"thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn-fastly.hometalk.com\/media\/videos\/2022\/07\/20\/19304\/thumbnail.jpg"}},{"sources":[{"type":"video\/mp4","src":"https:\/\/video-cdn-prod.b-cdn.net\/hometalk\/2024\/11\/19\/37774\/37774_source-406.mp4","label":"406p"},{"type":"video\/mp4","src":"https:\/\/video-cdn-prod.b-cdn.net\/hometalk\/2024\/11\/19\/37774\/37774_source-720.mp4","label":"720p"},{"type":"video\/mp4","src":"https:\/\/video-cdn-prod.b-cdn.net\/hometalk\/2024\/11\/19\/37774\/37774_source-1080.mp4","label":"1080p"}],"poster":"https:\/\/cdn-fastly.hometalk.com\/media\/videos\/2024\/11\/19\/37774\/thumbnail.jpg","media":{"video_library_id":37774,"thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn-fastly.hometalk.com\/media\/videos\/2024\/11\/19\/37774\/thumbnail.jpg"}}]

Tools and Materials

  • Rit dye
  • Water
  • Plastic funnel
  • Bottle with spray attachment
  • Hose
  • Washing machine
  • Scotchgard spray
how to dye a rug to bring it back to life, DIY Dyed Rug DIY Dyed Rug

1. Gather Your Materials

The only items I had to buy for this DIY project were the Rit dye and the Scotchgard. These products are easy enough to get hold of in stores.

Everything else I already had at home, and I would imagine that most other people do too.

Also, ensure you have a funnel and a bottle with a spray attachment ready to complete the project from start to finish.

how to dye a rug to bring it back to life, Gather Your Materials Gather Your Materials

2. Prep the Dye

I boiled some water and poured it into the bottle I planned to spray the dye, using a funnel to avoid any spillage.

After that, I poured the dye into the same bottle in the same way. I put on the spray attachment and then gave the bottle a good shake to mix the liquid thoroughly before use.

Then I was ready to dye my rug!

how to dye a rug to bring it back to life, Prep the Dye Prep the Dye

3. Spray the Rug

With the liquid ready, I sprayed it carefully onto the rug.

It is important to cover the whole surface evenly. I find it easier to start in one corner and slowly work my way in towards the center.

Then I move on to the next corner and so on, until only a small space in the middle remains for me to spray at the end. 

how to dye a rug to bring it back to life, Spray the Rug Spray the Rug

4. Rinse and Let Dry

My next move was to rinse off the rug thoroughly using a hose. I used plenty of cool water to do this.

I kept rinsing the rug over and over again until the excess water runs clear from it.

Then I put it aside to let it dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step in the process.

how to dye a rug to bring it back to life, Rinse and Let Dry Rinse and Let Dry

5. Wash the Rug

The next step is to wash the rug. I put mine in on a medium setting with the water temperature set to “cool lights.” 

I set the mode to casual and put the washing machine into motion.

You will see that the dye is fixed into place and doesn’t come off once you have let it dry. 

Ready for more DIY rug inspiration?

See how easy it is to make a Pom-Pom Rug that’s fun, fluffy, and perfect for brightening up any room!

how to dye a rug to bring it back to life, Wash the Rug Wash the Rug

6. Spray with Scotchgard

The final step in this tutorial on how to dye a rug is to spray on a coating of Scotchgard. This protects the rug against spills and stains that could damage it in the future.

Again, I very carefully went over the entire surface to make sure that the whole thing was as well protected as possible.

You will want to do this in one sitting, to avoid losing track of which parts you have and haven’t done so far.

how to dye a rug to bring it back to life, Spray with Scotchgard Spray with Scotchgard

How to Dye a Rug: Step-by-Step Tutorial

This is a fantastic way of turning a tired old rug into something fresher and far more exciting.

If you have a rug that is in need of a facelift, dyeing it will give you a great new look without having to spend too much time or money. 

I tried out my new rug in a few different rooms once I was finished, and I would recommend that you do the same. You are sure to find a perfect spot for it somewhere in your home.

how to dye a rug to bring it back to life, Homemade Dyed Rug Homemade Dyed Rug

If you like this project, share it with friends so they can easily update their rugs too!

Enjoyed the project?
WOW SAVE You can do it! Saved to your projects Print
Resources for this project:
Rit Dye Rit Dye See More Water Water See More Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.More info Published October 11th, 2019 4:57 PM 3 of 9 questions See more
  • Avi72056865 Avi72056865 on Oct 25, 2022

    I want to dye my whole carpet in the hallway and family room what's my best options

    0
  • Jo Jo on Aug 09, 2023

    Can I spot dye a printed area rug?

    0
  • Ben117670117 Ben117670117 on Sep 04, 2024

    I am looking for ideas to dye my daughter and my son whole bedroom rugs from wall to wall 12x12 ft

    0
2 of 11 comments See more
  • KateRos KateRos on Nov 14, 2023

    Great idea!

    Like Reply
  • Alice Norton Alice Norton on Nov 14, 2023

    I like the color! Thanks for sharing! I also have an old rug that I don't know what to do with. I've already looked through the RugsUSA reviews in the hope of finding the solution. But I've never thought about dying it. Great idea!

    Like Reply
Sign Up to Comment
Popular Project Book
10 Clever Ways to Decorate Plastic Bins
10 Clever Ways to Decorate Plastic Bins
View Project Book
Popular Project Book
3 Quick And Easy Rug Ideas To Brighten Up Your Space
3 Quick And Easy Rug Ideas To Brighten Up Your Space
View Project Book
Popular DIY Questions
Growing garlic Growing garlic Answer How to get rid of mice? How to get rid of mice? Answer Should I paint or stain my oak kitchen cabinets? Should I paint or stain my oak kitchen cabinets? Answer Next Prev
Related DIY Projects
How to Dye and Personalize a Rug – Simple DIY Rug Craft
How to Dye and Personalize a Rug – Simple DIY Rug Craft
Holly Grace Holly Grace How to Make Non Slip Rugs
How to Make Non Slip Rugs
Rachel The Ponds Farmhouse Rachel The Ponds Farmhouse DIY Painted Rug: How to Make a Boring Gray Rug Colorful
DIY Painted Rug: How to Make a Boring Gray Rug Colorful
Katy | LaughCryDIY Katy | LaughCryDIY How To Make a Rug From Table Runners: A Cheap and Easy DIY Project
How To Make a Rug From Table Runners: A Cheap and Easy DIY Project
Sarah Vanderkooy Sarah Vanderkooy Negative Edge Infinity Pool and Spa Built in Southampton
Negative Edge Infinity Pool and Spa Built in Southampton
Patricks Pools Patricks Pools Dreaded Drop-Ceiling Tiles
Dreaded Drop-Ceiling Tiles
The Chirping Frog The Chirping Frog Basement Family Room Redo for Under $1000
Basement Family Room Redo for Under $1000
Megan Schultz Megan Schultz Granite counter tops with a double ogee edge.
Granite counter tops with a double ogee edge.
JD Kitchens Design Build Group JD Kitchens Design Build Group My Laundry Room Wall
My Laundry Room Wall
Organizing Made Fun-Becky Barnfather Organizing Made Fun-Becky Barnfather Pirate's Boat
Pirate's Boat
Katrina Warren Katrina Warren Grain Sack Striping on Furniture, Quick and Easy
Grain Sack Striping on Furniture, Quick and Easy
Debbie Debbie Two Color Distressing...easy!
Two Color Distressing...easy!
The Shabby Farmhouse The Shabby Farmhouse Hanging Fruit Basket Art - Home Decor
Hanging Fruit Basket Art - Home Decor
Lisa Cain Lisa Cain 8 Ways Your Pantry Door Is Failing You (And What To Do About It)
8 Ways Your Pantry Door Is Failing You (And What To Do About It)
Hometalk Recommends Hometalk Recommends DIY Rotating Cooking Utensil Storage Rack
DIY Rotating Cooking Utensil Storage Rack
Wanda @ From House To Home Wanda @ From House To Home Food Storage Container Organization Solved
Food Storage Container Organization Solved
Amanda C, Hometalk Team Amanda C, Hometalk Team Declutter Kitchen Countertop With A Curtain Rod
Declutter Kitchen Countertop With A Curtain Rod
Kara S. Kara S. Frugal Four Season Burlap Wreath
Frugal Four Season Burlap Wreath
Skilled Thrifty Creatives Skilled Thrifty Creatives About Privacy Terms Guidelines Media Support Advertise Follow us © 2025 Hometalk.com By Hometalk Inc.

Tag » How To Dye A Rug