How To Remove Hair Dye From A Sink

Tom Gaffey
by Tom Gaffey

Dying your hair at home is not only a fun beauty DIY project, but it’s also a great way to save money. While the process is normally not very difficult, there are some challenges when using your bathroom as a makeshift salon. In fact, you might find after you finish dying your hair that your hair looks fantastic, but your bathroom sink is a disaster.

Bleach, acetone, nail polish remover, vinegar, and baking soda are all effective at removing hair dye from your sink. As soon as you notice a hair dye in your sink you should try to remove it, as the longer you wait, the harder it is to remove. Household cleaners like Bar Keepers Friend, OxiClean, and Soft Scrub are also very effective at removing hair dye from bathroom sinks.

While many stains will fade over time, a hair dye stain in and around your sink can make your whole bathroom look sloppy and unclean. It is important you address these stains immediately. Make sure you do not use a product that will damage your sink. If you are uncertain what cleaning product you should use, try one of these ten effective methods to remove the hair dye stain from your sink.

10 Cleaning Methods To Remove Hair Dye From Sinks

1. Acetone

Acetone is a very popular cleaning solvent that is used to fight all sorts of bathroom and kitchen disasters. You can find it at any hardware store if you don’t already have it. You simply apply acetone and use a rag to scrub gently until the stain disappears. While acetone is a strong chemical it is not known to damage fiberglass or porcelain sinks, making it safe.

2. Bleach

Bleach is also highly effective at removing stains. It is used frequently to remove stains like dye from clothing and other materials. It is also very effective at removing hair dye from your bathroom sink. Bleach is a hard cleanser, so be sure your sink will not suffer damage before you spray the bleach and let it sit.

For best results with bleach, you should spray it directly on the hair dye stain, and let it sit for a few minutes. Wipe it away with a soft rag and warm water. The stain should fade or disappear. Repeat the process until the stain is no longer visible.

Pro Tip: Remove towels and fabrics from the area as bleach can easily stain them.

3. OxiClean

OxiClean is a popular non-bleach cleaner used for all sorts of tough stain situations. This Cleanser comes in several forms, from powder to gel to spray. While all of these methods may help with stains, a concentrated strong version works best. The powder mixed with a bit of water to form a paste is an effective concentrate that you can apply to the stained area. Once you lightly scrub and wipe away the area, you should notice the stain is faded or completely gone.

4. Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is another popular household cleaner that is effective at removing hair dye from your sink. Just like with any other cleaner, rubbing alcohol is most effective if used immediately after you notice the stain. The longer the stain sits, the more elbow crease required.

Apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth or to the affected area and rub the stain in a circular motion. Continue this process, adding more rubbing alcohol as needed until the stain is removed.

5. Bar Keepers Friend

Many who dye their hair at home swear by the trusted old cleaning product Bar Keepers Friend. This product is more than 100 years old, but is still a popular option for many to remove hair dye from the sink. This product can be found in spray, liquid, and powder forms, but is most effective on these stains when you form a paste.

Allow the product to sit on the stain a bit and then rub the product with a circular motion, scrubbing while the stain lifts.

6. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide is a good option to remove hair dye stains from your sink if you do not want to use a more harmful and powerful chemical. It is also a product you already own, so you can apply it immediately. As soon as you clean up your mess and notice a stain, take a rag or cotton balls and apply hydrogen peroxide. Dap the cotton or cloth on the affected area for a minute or two.

7. Nail Polish Remover

Nail polish remover is another trusted product used by those who have stained their bathroom with hair dye. Apply the remover to a cotton swab or a cloth, and then slowly work it into the stain in a circular motion. The stain should fade and disappear over time.

Make sure it does not come in contact with fabrics, and is thoroughly rinsed and wiped. Make sure that nail polish remover won’t damage the finish on your particular sink.

8. Bathrooms Cleaners (With Bleach)

If you are looking for a simple point and shoot or ready-made solution to your hair dye stain, there are a variety of household cleaners that are known to be effective. Both Clorox Cleanup and Soft Scrub with bleach are popular bathroom cleaners that are known to get tricky dye stains out of bathroom sinks.

9. Baking Soda And White Vinegar

If you are seeking a natural solution to the dye, you can try a mixture of water, baking soda, and white vinegar. This solution forms a past that you can work into the stain similarly as you would any of the other cleaning products. Allow the procure a few minutes to break up the stain, and then continue to scrub the area in a circular motion.

10. Lemon Juice

Another simple and organic method you can try is lemon juice. The acid in lemon juice can break down the hair dye. Let the juice sit for a few minutes, and then scrub the area with a microfiber cloth. Be aware that while lemon juice may be an organic method, it is still highly acidic.

Concluding Thoughts On How To Remove Hair Dye From Your Sink

There are all sorts of methods you can use to get hair dye out of your sink. Everything from bleach to nail polish remover to baking soda and vinegar all work well. Do your best to address the stain immediately as the longer you wait, the harder the stain is to remove. Also, make sure whatever cleaning product you use won’t damage your sink.

Tom Gaffey
Tom Gaffey

Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.

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