Learn how to bleach tie-dye (AKA How to Tie-Dye a Shirt with Bleach)! Discover the art of reverse tie-dye and transform your clothing with this easy bleach tie-dyeing technique!
Prep Time 5 minutesminutes
Cook Time 30 minutesminutes
Total Time 35 minutesminutes
Ingredients
Dark or Colored Shirt
Liquid Chlorine Bleach
Hydrogen Peroxide
Rubber Bands
Spray, Squirt, and/or Squeeze Bottles
2Shallow Plastic Tubs
Gloves
Mask, optional
Instructions
Do a patch test to determine the color change and amount of time needed.
Pre-wash and dry the shirt. Fold the shirt according to your desired look and outcome. Secure with rubber bands.
In a spray/squeeze/squirt bottle, mix a bleach solution from a 1:1 ratio (equal parts) of bleach and water.
In a small plastic tub, mix a bleach-neutralizing solution from 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 10 parts water (1:10 ratio).
Lay your shirt on a protected, flat surface (I like to use the inside of a shallow plastic tub), and apply the bleach solution to the areas you want to remove the color from. Use a spray bottle for a more gentle and diffused effect or use a squirt bottle for a heavy, overall application.
Once you’ve applied the bleach to the shirt, allow it to soak into the fabric and remove the color. This process can take anywhere from 5-20 minutes, depending on the fabric and concentration of the bleach.
When you are satisfied with the color change, remove the rubber bands, and place the shirt in the bleach-neutralizer to stop the bleaching process. Swish the fabric around in the solution a bit, and allow it to soak for 5 minutes before rinsing the shirt in cool water. After rinsing, wash the shirt separately in the washing machine with cold water and mild detergent, and then dry as usual.
Notes
Do NOT bleach your shirt for more than 30 minutes or you will run the risk of damaging the fibers! Cotton and natural fibers will begin to weaken (and start to disintegrate) more quickly than polyester fibers, so I typically bleach 100% cotton shirts for NO longer than 15-20 minutes to avoid damaging the fibers of the fabric.