If you want to refresh or revamp your old clothes through dyeing, one of the easiest fabric dyeing methods, even if you've never done it before, is dyeing fabric in a washing machine.

You might have valid questions like: Does dyeing fabric in a washing machine leave stains? Or does fabric dye harm the machine? Of course, washing machines are one of the most crucial appliances in our homes, and even the slightest malfunction can lead to frustrating expenses or a loss of motivation. With the method we're about to explain, dyeing fabric in a washing machine, you'll be able to do it safely without leaving any traces or residues in your machine. For this method using Victoria fabric dye in the washing machine, you'll need the following materials:

Fabric dye

1 tablespoon of vinegar (either grape or apple works)

1 tablespoon of salt

Fixative

About half a liter of hot water (for diluting the dye)

Instructions for Fabric Dyeing in a Washing Machine:

- Start by mixing salt, vinegar, and one packet of powdered fabric dye in a bowl. Add approximately 2.5 cups of boiling water and stir thoroughly.

- Place the garment you want to dye into the empty machine after washing and dampening it.

- Pour the prepared dyed mixture onto the garment while it's still hot, directly into the washing area of the machine. Close the lid.

- Pour fabric dye fixative into the fabric softener compartment of the washing machine.

- Set your washing machine to a cycle of at least one and a half hours, with a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius. The higher the temperature and duration of the cycle, the more successful the dyeing process will be. However, consider the risk of fabric shrinkage when dyeing at high temperatures. For this reason, we recommend using average temperature and duration.

- Once the cycle is complete, also run a spin cycle, then remove the garment from the machine and hang it up to dry.

- As a precaution, even though there should be no stains left in your machine, run a 15-minute cycle with detergent, just in case.

- Your dried garment is now ready to be worn. There's no need for any further steps.

As you can see, fabric dyeing in a washing machine is this straightforward. Since we poured the dyed water directly onto the garment, it doesn't circulate inside the machine, and after washing, the dirty water is expelled into the drainage. This allows you to dye your clothes safely.

Additionally, using a fixative is essential. It ensures that the colors on the dyed fabric remain stable, making the dyeing process long-lasting. Without a fixative, the dyed fabric will lose color over time with each wash.

The amount of fabric dye in one packet is suitable for fabric weighing around 200 grams. So, for thicker and heavier garments like pants, you might need approximately 2 packets, compared to lighter items like t-shirts or blouses. In this process, we used one packet for a pair of pants with fading knees due to its weight.

The method of fabric dyeing in a washing machine that we've described is the easiest and least messy compared to other clothing dyeing techniques. With this method, you can restore your clothes to their original colors, give them new shades, or simply refresh them.

For those who prefer a video tutorial of the fabric dyeing process in a washing machine, you can find it in the comments below.