How to Remove Hair Dye Stains From Your Bathroom and Countertops

Picture this: You’re finishing up an at-home hair color session only to realize your sink or tub resembles something straight out of a crime scene from your favorite TV show. We’ve all been there, and whether you’re new to dyeing your hair at home or are a seasoned boxed dye user, completing a DIY hair makeover without getting hair dye on the counters may as well be an extreme sport. If you’ve found yourself in this situation before, you’ve probably google searched something along the lines of: “how to remove hair dye stains from the sink.” Good news — we’re here to provide some answers. Read on to learn how to remove hair dye stains from your bathroom counter with products you likely already have on hand. 

How Do You Get Hair Dye Off a Sink? 

So you got a little hair dye on your sink? No biggie. Here are eight ways to remove that stain with common household and beauty products. 

1. Hairspray 

Hairspray can be used for more than just setting your hairstyle; the hair care staple can also be used to remove hair dye stains from clothes and furniture. If you catch the hair dye mess quickly, saturate the stain with hairspray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hair Spray - Unscented, and blot it away with a paper towel or rag. This works because hairspray is typically alcohol-based, which helps lift and remove the stain. 

2. Nail Polish Remover 

It’s time to turn to another beauty item you’ll likely have on-hand: nail polish remover. An 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 stained area, then wipe it away. Just keep in mind that this is not the best idea for stains on a painted or finished surface, as the acetone will remove that, too.

3. Rubbing Alcohol

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

4. Vinegar and Baking Soda 

To try this method, you’ll need to mix a bit of vinegar and baking soda together to make a paste (use more baking soda than vinegar to achieve a paste consistency), then apply it to the hair dye stain. Depending on the size of the stain, you should use a sponge or an old toothbrush to scrub until the stain is gone. If the stain is still there after rinsing, repeat as needed.

5. Baking Soda and Water 

A baking soda paste made with just water can also work on a hair dye stain. Simply mix the baking soda with a bit of water (3:1 ratio), then rub the paste onto the stain with a sponge until it disappears. 

6. 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 bleach and may be able to remove the stain if you catch it quickly enough. Apply the cleaner to the affected area and scrub with a porous sponge or brush. 

7. Bleach

If you need a stronger fix, bleach is a great cleaning agent that 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 about 10 minutes. When you wipe the bleach away, the stain should wipe away with it. Keep in mind that the bleach may bleach your countertop too, so proceed with caution.

8. Dish Soap 

If your hair dye stain hasn’t been sitting for long, you may be able to get away with using regular liquid dish soap to remove it from your surfaces. Apply a liberal amount of soap to the stain and use a sponge or brush to scrub the area.

Next: How to Remove Color From Hair When You Want a Break From Hair Dye

Photo Credit: Shalwah Evans