So you’ve decided on a change of hair color, but opted to avoid expensive salon fees by using a home hair dye kit. We don’t blame you, why pay $100 at a hairdressers when you can get the same result for a $10 product from the store?
However, one thing you might not have factored in is that the hair dye not only colors your hair, but everything it touches! If you’re left asking yourself how to remove hair dye from a sink, this article is what you need to learn how to remove the stains quickly and easily.
What Type of Sink Do You Have
To remove the hair dye stains, the first thing you need to do is identify the type of surface the hair dye has marked. Is it porcelain, ceramic, enamel, or acrylic? Once you know this, you can proceed to the cleaning method that will work best for your sink or tub.
How to tell if your sink is acrylic
Acrylic is a type of plastic that is often used to make bath tubs and shower stalls. Plastic can very easily be identified by its touch and feel, as it will not carry the same cold to the touch feel of a stone based sink, and will not feel as firm. It will also ‘tap’ a lighter sound if you knock it with your knuckle or nails.
How to tell if your surface is porcelain or ceramic?
Porcelain is a type of ceramic that’s glazed and fired at a high temperature, making it harder and more durable than other types of ceramic. In the case of removing hair dye from a sink, porcelain and ceramic have the same cleaning solution.
Touch the basin in your sink to help you figure out the type of surface. Porcelain, ceramic and enamel sinks will all feel colder, and have a heavier stone type feel to them. Acrylic on the other hand is lighter and will have a definitive plastic feel.
Once you have determined if the sink is acrylic or not, the next test is to find out if you have a porcelain or enamel sink.
Luckily for you, most enamel coated sinks are made from metal underneath, so a simple test with a magnet can separate them apart. Place a magnet underneath your sink basin, and if the magnet sticks, you’ve likely got a sink made from enamel. If it doesn’t stick, you’ve probably got a porcelain or ceramic sink.
How to tell if your sink is enamel?
Enamel is a type of glass that is fused to metal, typically steel. It is very strong and durable, and is often used for sinks and bath tubs. As above, if you use a magnet and put it to the sink’s surface and it sticks you’ve almost definitely got an enamel sink on your hands.
Cleaning hair dye from an acrylic sink
If your sink is made of acrylic, the best way to remove hair dye is with acetone nail polish remover. Acetone is a strong solvent that will quickly break down the hair dye, and make it easy to wipe off your sink. You can do this by applying the acetone to a cloth or sponge and rub it into the hair dye stain. After leaving the hair dye for a few minutes, wipe it off with a clean cloth. Rinse out your and the hair dye should be gone!
Cleaning hair dye from a porcelain sink
If your sink is made of porcelain, the best way to remove hair dye is with a product called Bar Keepers Friend stain remover. This is a cleaning product that can be found in most supermarkets and hardware stores, and also on Amazon! To use, simply make a paste hair dye with the Bar Keepers Friend and water, and apply it to the stained area on your sink. Leave it for a few minutes, and then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Turn on your sink tap to rinse away the leftover residue.
Cleaning hair dye from an enamel sink
If your sink is made of enamel, you can remove the hair dye stain by scrubbing it with a paste made using dish soap and baking soda. To make the paste, mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 1/4 cup of baking soda. Apply the paste to the hair dye stain and scrub it with a sponge or brush. Rinse the area with water from your sink, and your stain should have disappeared!
All in One Solution – Magic Eraser Works for All Surfaces
If the hair dye stain is proving to be stubborn, you can try a Magic Eraser. These are sponges that can be bought from Amazon, and most supermarkets. They are extremely effective when it comes to removing stains. All you have to do is wet the Magic Eraser and rub the hair dye stain. The stain should start to disappear immediately.
Last Ditch SOS – Bring Out the Bleach
If you have tried all of the above methods and the hair dye stain is still refusing to budge, you can try using bleach. Pour a small amount of bleach onto the hair dye stain and leave for a few minutes. Rinse well with warm water and the stain should be gone. This should be a last ditch option though as bleach is a dangerous substance, and it can also discolor and weaken surfaces that aren’t your sink if accidentally spilled or left on them. Not to mention it can cause nasty burns to your skin or blind you if if gets in your eyes. If you use this method, make sure to wear goggles to protect your eyes.
Final Thoughts on Ways to Remove Hair Dye from Your Sink
Hopefully one of our 5 guaranteed ways to remove hair dye from your sink. If you’re willing to invest a small amount of money to solve your problem, we definitely recommend you purchase a Magic Eraser or Bar Keepers Friend stain remover.