You can try several methods to remove hair dye stains from walls without damaging the paint.
These methods use everyday household items you may already have, such as baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap. If you’re looking for a quick fix, using a magic eraser or rubbing alcohol can also be effective.
Below, I will explain different methods for removing hair dye stains from walls and provide tips on preventing future stains. So if you’re in a bind and need to know how to get hair dye off walls without damaging paint, keep reading!
What Do You Need to Know Before Removing Hair Dye Stains?
Before you start removing hair dye stains from your walls, it’s important to have some basic knowledge about the process. Here are some key things you should keep in mind:
Act Fast
Time is of the essence when it comes to removing hair dye stains from your walls. As time elapses, the degree of difficulty in eradicating the blemish will proportionately increase.
Check The Paint
Before you start cleaning the stain, check the type of paint on your walls. Some paints are more sensitive than others and may require special treatment.
Test the Cleaning Solution
Always test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the wall first. This will ensure that the solution doesn’t damage the paint or cause discoloration.
Use Protective Gear
Some cleaning solutions can be harsh and may cause skin irritation or breathing problems. Wear gloves, a mask, and protective eyewear to keep yourself safe.
Take Precautions
Cover your floors and nearby furniture with a drop cloth to protect them from the cleaning solution and any drips.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that the process of removing hair dye stains from your walls goes smoothly and without any damage to your paint or health.
In the next section, I will review some practical methods for removing hair dye stains from your walls.
Method 1 – Dish Soap and Water
If you’re dealing with hair dye stains on your walls, the first method you can try is using dish soap and water. This is a simple yet effective approach that can remove stains without damaging your paint. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Mix Dish Soap with Warm Water
Start by mixing a few drops of dish soap with warm water. You can use any dish soap that you have at home, but make sure to use a mild one.
Step 2: Apply the Solution to the Stain
Dip a clean cloth in the solution and wring out the excess water. Then, gently rub the cloth on the stain. Be careful not to rub too hard, as it can damage your paint.
Step 3: Rinse With Clean Water
After you have rubbed the stain, use a clean cloth to rinse the area with clean water. Make sure to remove all the soap residue, as it can leave a mark on your wall.
Step 4: Dry the Area
Once you have rinsed the area, use a dry cloth to dry it. Make sure to remove all the water as it can leave water marks.
Using dish soap and water is a quick and easy way to remove hair dye stains from your walls. If the stain is persistent, you can try other methods like baking soda or vinegar.
But before trying any other method, make sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t damage your paint.
Method 2 – Magic Eraser
Magic Erasers are known for their ability to tackle tough stains and marks on surfaces. These sponges work by using a fine abrasive that can remove dirt and grime without damaging the surface underneath. Here’s how to use a Magic Eraser to remove hair dye stains from your walls.
Step 1: Wet the Magic Eraser
Start by wetting the Magic Eraser with water. Squeeze out any excess water so that the sponge is damp but not soaking wet.
Step 2: Test an Inconspicuous Area
Before using the Magic Eraser on the hair dye stain, it’s important to test an inconspicuous area of your wall first. This will ensure that the Magic Eraser does not cause any damage or discoloration to your paint or wallpaper.
Step 3: Gently Rub the Stain
Once you have tested an inconspicuous area and are confident that the Magic Eraser will not cause any damage, gently rub the hair dye stain with the sponge. Use light pressure and circular motions to work the stain out.
Step 4: Rinse and Repeat
Rinse the Magic Eraser frequently with water to remove any hair dye that it picks up. Then, continue to rub the stain until it is completely removed gently. The repetition of this step may be required multiple times, contingent upon the degree of the discoloration.
Step 5: Dry the Wall
Once the stain is removed, use a clean cloth or paper towel to dry the wall.
While Magic Erasers can be very effective at removing tough stains, it’s important to use them carefully. These sponges can be abrasive and may cause damage to delicate surfaces if used too aggressively.
Always test an inconspicuous area before using a Magic Eraser on a stain, and use gentle pressure and circular motions to avoid damaging your walls.
Method 3 – Baking Soda and Vinegar
If you don’t have dish soap or a Magic Eraser at hand, another effective method for removing hair dye stains from walls is using baking soda and vinegar.
Baking soda is a natural abrasive, and vinegar is a natural acid, which, when combined, creates a powerful cleaning agent.
What You’ll Need
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- A bowl
- A spoon
- A sponge
- Water
Step 1: Mix the Baking Soda and Vinegar
In a dish, combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. The mixture will fizz, which is normal.
Step 2: Apply the Mixture to the Stain
Dip a sponge into the mixture and apply it to the hair dye stain on the wall. Be sure to cover the entire stain.
Step 3: Let the Mixture Sit
Allow the mixture to sit on the stain for 5-10 minutes. This will give the baking soda and vinegar time to break down the hair dye.
Step 4: Scrub the Stain
Using a clean sponge or scrub brush, scrub the stain in a circular motion until it is lifted off the wall.
Step 5: Rinse the Wall
Wipe the wall down with a clean sponge or cloth dipped in water to remove any residue.
Step 6: Dry the Wall
Dry the wall with a clean cloth or towel.
These two house items are safe and natural alternatives to harsh chemicals and can be used on a variety of surfaces. However, it’s important to test the mixture on an inconspicuous area of the wall first to ensure that it doesn’t damage the paint or wallpaper.
Can the Methods for Removing Paint from Hair Also Work for Removing Hair Dye from Walls?
When it comes to removing hair dye from walls, the same natural ways to remove paint can often do the trick. Using vinegar, baking soda, or a mixture of both can help lift the dye from the surface without causing damage. Simply apply the solution to the stained area and gently scrub until the stain fades.
Method 4 – Bleach and Water
Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent that can be used to remove tough stains from various surfaces, including walls. However, it’s essential to be cautious when using bleach as it can cause damage to surfaces if used improperly. Here’s how to use bleach to remove hair dye stains from walls:
Step 1: Protect Yourself and Your Surroundings
Before using bleach, make sure to protect yourself by wearing gloves and safety goggles. You should also cover the surrounding area with a plastic sheet or old towels to avoid any accidental spills.
Step 2: Mix Bleach and Water
Mix one part bleach with three parts water in a clean bucket or spray bottle. Make sure to use a fresh bottle of bleach, as old bleach loses its effectiveness over time.
Step 3: Apply the Solution
Dip a clean sponge or cloth into the bleach solution and gently scrub the hair dye stain on the wall. Avoid applying too much pressure, as it can damage the paint on the wall.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Once you have removed the stain, rinse the area thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining bleach. Then, dry the area with a clean towel or cloth.
Step 5: Ventilate the Room
Bleach has a strong odor, and it’s essential to ventilate the room by opening windows or turning on a fan to remove the fumes.
Note: Keep bleach out of the reach of children and pets since it may be hazardous if consumed.
Bleach can be an effective method to remove hair dye stains from walls, but it’s crucial to use it carefully to avoid damaging the surface.
Always test the solution on an inconspicuous area of the wall first and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If the hair dye stain is stubborn and none of the methods work, it may be best to seek professional help.
Method 5: Acetone or Turpentine
If the hair dye stain on your wall is particularly stubborn, you may need to turn to stronger solvents to remove it. Acetone and turpentine are two options that can work well, but they should be used with caution.
Acetone, a highly potent solvent, is frequently employed in the elimination of nail polish. It can dissolve many types of plastics and can damage some types of paint.
In contrast, turpentine serves as a naturally-derived solvent and is a prevalent constituent of paint-thinning agents. It can be effective in removing hair dye stains, but it can also damage some types of paint.
It is strongly advised to conduct a preliminary test of these solvents on an unobtrusive section of the wall prior to implementation in order to ascertain that they will not cause any damage to the existing paint.
If the paint is not damaged, follow these steps:
- Put on gloves and goggles to protect your skin and eyes.
- Apply a small amount of the solvent to a clean cloth or sponge.
- Gently rub the stained area in a circular motion.
- Rinse the area with water and dry it with a clean cloth.
Due to the notable emission of fumes from these solvents, it is imperative that they are utilized in an area with adequate ventilation. Make sure to follow all safety instructions on the label of the product you are using.
Note that acetone and turpentine should not be used on painted surfaces that are more than five years old, as the solvents may cause the paint to peel or crack.
Additionally, these solvents should not be used on wallpaper or any other non-painted surfaces, as they can cause damage.
Conclusion
Removing hair dye stains from walls can be a daunting task, but it is not impossible. With the right tools and methods, you can remove the stains without damaging the paint.
I have discussed various methods such as dish soap and water, magic eraser, baking soda and vinegar, bleach and water, and acetone or turpentine.
Different cleaning methods have distinct advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to consider your specific cleaning needs and choose the method that best suits them.
However, it’s important to remember to always test a small, inconspicuous area first before proceeding with any method to avoid any unwanted damage to the paint.
Additionally, safety should always be a top priority, and you should use protective gear such as gloves and masks while handling chemicals.
By following these tips and methods, you can successfully remove hair dye stains from walls and restore the look of your home.