- 1). Remove any stains from the gown using a cleaning agent. The stain will show a slightly different color than the rest of the dress if left on the gown. Allow the gown to dry completely from the cleaning agent before moving on to ensure the stain is gone.
- 2). Fill a large tub with room-temperature water and saturate the gown. The dye will adhere to the fabric better if the fabric is wet prior to dyeing.
- 3). Mix the dye according to the directions on the box in a large pot. The dye amount will vary between manufacturers and amount of fabric. Place the pot on the stove.
- 4). Transfer the wet gown to the pot of dye and set the heat to simmer. The dye and dress will continue to simmer until the water temperature reaches 120 degrees. Check the manufacturer box for simmer time. When the water heats up it will open the cuticle of the fabric and allow the dye to absorb into the gown.
- 5). Stir the dress during the first 15 minutes constantly with a long wooden spoon or stick. Stirring will cause the dye to distribute evenly throughout the dress.
- 6). Turn the heat off and transfer the gown to a bathtub once the time is complete. Rinse the gown with cold water until the water runs clear. If the dye is too light, then rinse the dye from the fabric and repeat the steps. If the dye is too dark, rinse the dye with warm to hot water to fade the color before drying.
- 7). Wash the gown in a washing machine set to cold water and delicate fabrics, or hang the gown to air dry. When air drying the gown, hang it in the bathtub to allow the water to drip down the drain.
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