You can also use this technique to revitalize an old pair of faded jeans. Just stick with black dye or indigo dye.
In most cases, 1/2 to 1 bottle of fabric dye should be enough to dye 1 pair of jeans. If your jeans are more than 1 pound (500 g), however, get another bottle of dye. Powdered dye will also work, but you will need to dissolve it in 1 cup (240 mL) of hot water first.
Wash the jeans according to the instructions on the tag. Most jeans can be washed in the washer, but some need to be hand washed. Pay attention to the water temperature. Most jeans will require cold water, but some can withstand warm water.
If you have nothing to cover your work surface with, plan to work carefully. Have some bleach, rubbing alcohol, or acetone on hand to wipe off stains. Dye can get pungent, so open a window or turn a fan on. You don’t have to prepare the dye if you will be using a washing machine. Just skip down to the washing machine section.
Depending on the weight of your jeans, use between 1/2 to 1 bottle of dye. This amounts to about 1⁄2 to 1 cup (120 to 240 mL). If you are using powdered dye, mix it with 1 cup (240 mL) of hot water first. Use twice as much dye for darker colors. For example, instead of using 1/2 a bottle of black dye, use a full bottle. If your jeans weigh more than 1 pound (500 g), use more dye and water.
Double-check the instructions that came with your dye. Most dyes require salt and liquid dish soap, but some don’t. This is for just 1 pound (500 g) of jeans. For jeans weighing more than that, double the amount of salt and water. While not absolutely necessary, it would be a good idea to add 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of dish soap. This will help the dye adhere better.
If you’re using the stove-top method, make sure that the water is still just under a boil. Don’t turn the stove off. Stirring the jeans is important; otherwise, the dye will come out splotchy.
Keep in mind that the jeans will appear lighter after they dry. If you’re dyeing the jeans longer, remember to stir them every 10 minutes or so. Take them out of the dye bath and squeeze out the excess dye.
If you choose to use the bucket, change the water time after you dunk the jeans, take them out, and squeeze them.
Wash the jeans separately or with similar colors. Even though you rinsed the jeans until the water ran clear, there might still be some dye left. The dye may fade a little in the wash. If you’re worried about this, turn the jeans inside-out first. [10] X Research source
Don’t leave the jeans in the dryer for a full cycle. Use a half cycle instead. This could be anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes.
This method is not recommended if you are using a public laundry room. The residue might ruin the next person’s laundry. A top-loading water will work the best, but you can use a front-loading washer too. In this case, don’t let it fill with water yet.
If your jeans weigh more than 1 pound (500 g), double the amount of dye. For a front-loading machine, pour the dye into the detergent dispenser, then add 1 cup (240 mL) of water to flush it. [14] X Research source
Agitate the dye and salt with a wooden stick or run the washer for a few minutes. Some people like to add 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of dish soap into the dye bath as well. This helps the dye adhere more evenly. For a front-loading machine, let it run for 10 minutes first, then add 1 cup (273 g) of salt dissolved in 4 cups (950 mL) of hot water into the detergent dispenser. Flush it with 4 cups (950 mL) of hot water. [16] X Research source
Don’t change the water temperature, even if the care tag inside the jeans tells you to wash them with cold water. A single wash with hot water won’t ruin your jeans. It’s only when you wash them every time with hot water that they start to wear down.
Once you take the jeans out, run a third cycle in the empty washing machine. This will get rid of residue and keep your next load of laundry clean. [19] X Research source
How long it takes for the jeans to dry halfway depends on the strength of your dryer. This shouldn’t be more than 15 to 20 minutes, or so, however.
