How to Use Rit Color Remover
Posted by Ciara on 28th Mar 2024
How to Use Rit Color Remover
Rit Color Remover is a non-chlorine, reductive type of bleach that will not damage or deteriorate washable fabrics as chlorine bleach will. It is used primarily to remove or reduce colour from fabric prior to dyeing, creating a blank canvas for dyeing to a true colour. It works on cotton, linen, silk, wool, ramie and rayon. It may have a limited effect on polyester, depending upon how it was dyed commercially.
Unfortunately, Color Remover cannot remove the pattern or print from a fabric. It also cannot remove the indigo colour from jeans.
Select your Method
For best results, we recommend using the stovetop method to maintain an almost boiling temperature.
However, you can also use Color Remover with a washing machine or with the sink or bucket method, but you may get less reliable results.
- Stovetop
- Sink or Bucket
- Washing Machine
Supplies
- Rit Color Remover
- Stainless Steel Pot
- Tongs
Instructions
Use Color Remover in a well–ventilated area. Open any windows and turn on a fan if you have one.
Step 1.
Pre-wash item in warm, soapy water.
Step 2.
Fill a stainless steel pot with enough water for the fabric to move freely. Cover pot and heat water on stove top to just below boiling (or around 90°C).
Step 3.
When water begins to simmer, add one packet of Color Remover. Mix well.
Step 4.
Keep temperature at a low simmer.
Step 5.
Wet the item you are going to be removing the colour from and add it to the bath.
Step 6.
Stir occasionally. Some fabrics will lose their colour in as fast as 10 minutes, others can take up to 20 minutes. Once your garment turns white or off-white, you can remove it from the bath.
Step 7.
Rinse in warm water and then gradually cool water until rinse water begins to run clear.
Step 8.
Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
Step 9.
Item is now ready to be dyed.
Supplies
- Rit Color Remover
- Large Metal Spoon
- Large Container
Instructions
Use Color Remover in a well–ventilated area. Open any windows and turn on a fan if you have one.
Step 1.
Pre-wash item in warm, soapy water.
Step 2.
Fill a plastic container or stainless steel sink with enough water for the fabric to move freely. The water should ideally be 60°C. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the bath.
Step 3.
Add one packet of Color Remover to bath. Mix well.
Step 4.
Wet the item you are going to be removing the colour from and add it to the bath.
Step 5.
Stir occasionally. Some fabrics will lose their color in as fast as 10 minutes, others can take up to 20 minutes. Once your garment turns white or off-white, you can remove it from the bath.
Step 6.
Rinse in cool water.
Step 7.
Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
Step 8.
Item is now ready to be dyed.
Supplies
- Rit Color Remover
- Washing Machine
- Small Container
Instructions
Front Loader Instructions
Step 1.
Please Note: We do not recommend this method for extra-large items or multiple items.
Step 2.
Wet fabric and place item(s) in the washing machine.
Step 3.
Set water temperature to the hottest possible setting and a wash cycle of at least 30 minutes or longer.
Step 4.
Mix Color Remover with 950 mL of hot water. If you are removing colour from a small load, use 2 packets of Color Remover. If you are removing colour from a large load, use 3 packets of Color Remover. If you are removing colour from an extra large load, use 4 packets of Color Remover.
Step 5.
Start the cycle.
Step 6.
Remove detergent cup from detergent tray.
Step 7.
Pour the solution into the dispenser.
Step 8.
Flush dispenser with 950 mL of hot water.
Step 9.
Rewash item in warm water with mild detergent and dry.
Step 10.
Item is now ready to be dyed.
Step 11.
To clean the washing machine: Using hot water and the “high” level setting, clean the washer with 240 mL of liquid bleach. Make sure to wipe around the inside of the lid and pour a little bleach through the internal dispenser. Fill washer to highest water level with the hottest water temperature setting. Add detergent and 470 mL chlorine bleach and run a full wash cycle with 3 to 4 old towels.
Top Loader Instructions
Step 1.
Set water temperature to the hottest possible setting and a wash cycle of at least 30 minutes or longer.
Step 2.
Mix Color Remover with 950 mL of hot water. If you are removing colour from a small load, use 2 packets of Color Remover. If you are removing colour from a large load, use 3 packets of Color Remover. If you are removing colour from an extra large load, use 4 packets of Color Remover.
Step 3.
Fill the machine with enough water for the fabric to move freely.
Step 4.
Pour the solution into the machine.
Step 5.
Wet fabric and place item(s) in the washing machine.
Step 6.
Rewash item in warm water with mild detergent and dry.
Step 7.
Item is now ready to be dyed.
Step 6.
To clean the washing machine: Using hot water and the “high” level setting, clean the washer with 240 mL of liquid bleach. Make sure to wipe around the inside of the lid and pour a little bleach through the internal dispenser. Fill washer to highest water level with the hottest water temperature setting. Add detergent and 240 mL chlorine bleach and run a full wash cycle with 3 to 4 old towels.