RIT colour 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 color from fabric prior to dyeing, creating a blank canvas for dyeing to a true color. 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.
RIT dye Colour Remover can be used in the following ways.
For best results, we recommend using the stovetop method to maintain an almost boiling temperature.
Stove Top
Use Color Remover in a well–ventilated area. Open any windows and turn on a fan if you have one.
Pre-wash item in warm, soapy water.
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).
When water begins to simmer, add one packet of Color Remover. Mix well.
Keep temperature at a low simmer.
Wet the item you are going to be removing the color from and add it to the bath.
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.
Rinse in warm water and then gradually cool water until rinse water begins to run clear.
Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
Item is now ready to be dyed.
Sink Or Bucket
Use Color Remover in a well–ventilated area. Open any windows and turn on a fan if you have one.
Pre-wash item in warm, soapy water.
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.
Add one packet of Color Remover to bath. Mix well.
Wet the item you are going to be removing the color from and add it to the bath.
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.
Rinse in cool water.
Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
Item is now ready to be dyed.
In Washing Machine
Please Note: This method is not recommend this method for extra-large items or multiple items.
Wet fabric and place item(s) in the washing machine.
Set water temperature to the hottest possible setting and a wash cycle of at least 30 minutes or longer.
Mix Color Remover with 950 mL of hot water. If you are removing color from a small load, use 2 packets of Color Remover. If you are removing color from a large load, use 3 packets of Color Remover. If you are removing color from an extra large load, use 4 packets of Color Remover.
Start the cycle.
Remove detergent cup from detergent tray.
Pour the solution into the dispenser.
Flush dispenser with 950 mL of hot water.
Rewash item in warm water with mild detergent and dry.
Item is now ready to be dyed.
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.
