Put a dust mask on before you open the jar of dye. Most powder dyes are lung irritants, so be safe. Remember, when using fabric markers on bleach stains, it’s always a good idea to test the marker on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure that the color matches and adheres properly.

A set of measuring spoons. Since you’re only using these for salt or vinegar, you don’t need a special “dye only” set, your regular kitchen ones are fine. Shuffle your fabric to the side with your tongs or spoon so you’re not pouring directly on the fabric. Mix thoroughly.

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For example, if our item’s dry weight is 150g, and we need 2% dye, the formula is (2×150)/100 for 3g of dye. Once you have finished applying the dye, inspect the stained area to see if it has been fully covered. If not, you may need to repeat the dyeing process or apply the dye directly to the stained area with a brush. With a little patience and effort, your garment will look as good as new! Let the Dye Set

Pre-wash and dry your item using detergent. If you’re dyeing a garment that’s been worn, use a stain treatment to lift any stains (especially sweat stains at the underarm!) as these may cause your garment to dye unevenly. Step 2: Calculate how much dye you need Depending on your home’s hot water heater, you may be able to reach the temperature required for fiber-reactive dyes with hot tap water, but you’ll likely need the stovetop for acid dye. Step 6: Add the dye activator and dye solutionFinally, I’d recommend at least one run through your washing machine alone (without anything you’re worried about staining) to be sure all the dye has washed out.

By extending the pigment slightly, you can blend it into the surrounding fabric and make the repair less noticeable. Just be careful not to overdo it and make the area look too dark or unnatural. Blend the pigment gently with a finger or brush Don’t hesitate to go for 2 separate dye baths if your coat is a blend of fibers and you haven’t achieved a good result with the first bath.This article was written by Kat Waters and edited by Sara Maker. It was originally published on 7 May 2022 and has since been updated.