How to Remove Hair Dye Stains from Your Shower, Tub, and Counters

Mastering how to dye your hair at home can be difficult. Aside from stressing about achieving the perfect hair color, there’s always a chance of making a mess in your bathroom. We’ve all been there—finishing up an at-home hair coloring session only to realize your vanity and tub resemble something straight out of a murder scene from your favorite crime TV show. Yikes! So, how does one remove hair dye stains from the shower, tub, counters, and other furniture it may have left its mark on? We’re sharing eight easy options you can try below.

#1. DISH SOAP

If your hair dye hasn’t been sitting for long, you may be able to get away with using regular liquid dish soap to remove those pesky stains. Apply a liberal amount of soap to the stain and use a sponge to scrub the area. Don’t give up too soon—this method may take a bit of elbow grease. If you aren’t seeing much progress, or have gotten the stain to fade but can’t get it to go away completely, consider one of the following options.

#2. BATHROOM CLEANER

It’s a good idea to give your regular bathroom cleaner a try, particularly for stains in your shower and tub. These cleaners are typically formulated with a bit of bleach (more on that later) and may be able to remove the stain if you catch it quick enough. Apply the cleaner to the affected area and scrub with a sponge to remove.

#3. NAIL POLISH REMOVER

Bathroom cleaner not cutting it? It’s time to turn to another household item you likely have on-hand: nail polish remover! Yup, acetone-based nail polish remover is a great option for removing hair dye stains from your shower, tub, and counters. Use a cotton ball to apply the nail polish remover to the area in question. Just keep in mind that this is not a good option for stains that are on a painted or finished surface, as the acetone will remove that, too!

#4. RUBBING ALCOHOL

A bit of rubbing alcohol can also help to remove a hair dye stain. Apply a bit onto a cotton ball and rub it over the stained area to remove. Keep in mind that this is another method to steer clear of when it comes to wood finishes and painted surfaces.

#5. BLEACH

Remember how we mentioned bathroom cleaning products containing bleach? Well, in case you didn’t already know, bleach is a great cleansing agent, and it can be used to remove hair dye stains in your bathroom. Mix equal parts bleach and water, apply it to the stain, and let the formula sit for around 10 minutes. When you wipe the bleach away, the stain should wipe away with it.

#6. BAKING SODA AND WATER

You may be familiar with baking soda from your baking endeavors, but it’s also great for cleaning, and in this case, removing stains! To make a baking soda paste, simply mix baking soda with a bit of water. Rub the mixture onto the stain with a sponge until it disappears. Make sure to put some muscle into it!

#7. VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA

Alternatively, you can use vinegar to make a baking soda paste. Mix the two together and apply to the stain in question. Depending on the size of the stain, use a sponge or old toothbrush to scrub away until the stain is nowhere to be seen. If the stain is still there after rinsing, repeat as needed.

#8. HAIRSPRAY

Hairspray isn’t just for setting your hairstyle. In fact, it can be used to keep hair dye stains from setting into your furniture. If you catch it in time, spritz the stain with hairspray and blot it away with a paper towel or rag. This works because hairspray is typically alcohol-based.

Now that you know how to remove hair dye stains from your household items, learn How to Remove Hair Dye from Your Skin.