How to Dye Your Rugs in 5 Easy Steps

Ever have an old rug that just doesn’t fit in with your home decor anymore? Dye it! Let’s take a look at how to dye rugs for any area of your home. I love this method for use on rugs that might have stains on them to give them new life as well!

Love this and want to see more of this bathroom? I ended up changing this entire space into a nautical-themed bathroom design.

How Do You Dye a Rug

This entire dye process took me 20 minutes so this is definitely a quick and easy way to rescue your rugs!

Supplies needed:

• Rugs (see my notes below on rugs that will work with this process)
• Liquid Dye (I used RIT dye but see my notes below on dye types)
• Rubber gloves
• Water
• Container large enough for your rug (you may get dye on this)
• Vacuum and/or cleaning supplies
• Spray bottle (for larger rugs)

Step 1: Clean your rugs

These rugs were small enough that I washed them in my washing machine and dried them. If you are doing a larger rug, be sure to vacuum well and clean with some sort of carpet cleaner. Rugs should be clean and dry before you start.

Step 2: Mix your dye

Mix the dye according to the package directions for the dye that you purchase. I mixed mine in a large container where I could fully submerge these small rugs. If you do that, be sure that you use a container that you are okay with the dye tinting.

If you have a large rug, you can mix the dye in spray bottles instead.

Be sure to do the entire dying process outside as it will be messy! Also, wear rubber gloves as you will dye your skin!

Step 3: Dye your rug

The next step is the dying process. I submerged my rugs in my dye in the container. You can vary the amount of time you leave the rugs in for darker colors. Leave it in longer to darken the color you will achieve.

My process time was about 10 minutes so I did not have to leave mine in the dye bath very long. However, I mixed a very dark black color and only wanted a grey rug. This will vary depending on your desired color.

NOTE: You will rinse the rug in the next step and the color will lighten!

If you have a large rug, you can use the dye in spray bottles to apply over your rug. Try to apply evenly if you want a consistent appearance across the rug. Again you will need to let it sit to soak into the rug.

BONUS: Try using different dye colors on different areas of a larger rug. You can get artistic with this process as well.

Step 4: Rinse and dry

Rinse the rug REALLY well and dry it. This can be done in a washing machine if the rug is small. I tend to rinse mine until the water runs clear outdoors. Then wash in the washing machine with nothing in the rub with the rugs. There will be dye that releases out of the rugs and you don’t want to ruin any other garments.

Step 5: Repeat if needed

Didn’t get the color you wanted the first time? Just try again! You can repeat the steps to darken the color. You may try mixing a darker color or just going back with the same one for a second, third, or even fourth time.

FAQ for Dying Rugs

I get the following questions often when it comes to dying rugs.

What types of rugs can be dyed?

I am using a natural fiber rug so I used standard RIT dye. If you want to dye rugs that are made out of other materials, be sure to look at other types of dyes. RIT makes a dye for synthetic fabrics for example that would work better.

So, rugs of many types can be dyed but you need to make sure you know what materials they are made out of for best results.

What dye should you use?

Again, that depends on the material of your rug. Be sure to note the material and check on your bottle of dye to ensure that it is compatible with that material.

Can I dye a dark rug to a lighter color?

Maybe? Try bleaching the rug or even using a dye remover on the rug first. Once you have the color lightened, you can then pick a color that is darker then the rug at that point.

Is this process permanent? How does the rug hold up?

As long as you do the process correctly, the process is permanent and the rug color should hold up to normal wear and tear. Be sure to follow all instructions that come with whatever dye brand you are using.

This is a great way to make your rugs match your new decor while spending as little money as possible. Give this one a try for yourself and make those rugs you have been dreaming of!

Want more options? I have also used spray paint on a rug with success. Don’t throw away those old rugs! Recycle them into something you love!

Are you intimidated by fabric dye? Will you maybe try it now? What have you got to lose really?