By Kerry Hale

How To Get Hair Dye Off Bathroom Walls & Tiles

  • Wednesday 26 April 2023
  • 4 minute read

Dyeing your hair at home is a great way to transform your look or freshen up your colour, but splashes and spillages can leave unsightly stains around your bathroom.

Explore our guide to cleaning hair dye stains for everything you need to know to prevent and remove marks before they set in.

How to prevent hair dye stains

When it comes to stains, prevention is often better than cure. We recommend cleaning your bathtub, shower enclosure and sink before you begin, as hair dye can cling to soap scum and bond to the surface. Alternatively, you could cover the area with a dust sheet or old towels.

The best ways to remove hair dye

If you spill hair dye, the first step is to soak up as much liquid as possible with a towel or tissue before scrubbing the area or applying cleaning products. Then, try these methods to remove any residue.

1. Washing-up liquid

Known for its stain-removing properties, washing-up liquid is one of several household products you can use to clean a hair dye spillage. It can remove stains from bathroom fixtures, walls, flooring, clothing or towels.

2. Baking soda

Baking soda is another option when you need a quick fix to remove hair dye stains. If the dye is in the sink or bathtub, fill it with water so the stained area is covered, then add half a cup of baking soda and leave it to work for ten minutes. You can also add vinegar to the solution to remove tougher marks.

3. Bleach

Suitable for cleaning non-porous surfaces only, bleach is an effective stain remover. Start by diluting it with water and use it sparingly. Apply with a cloth, wear gloves and open a window when cleaning with bleach.

4. Nail varnish remover

Acetone nail polish removers can remove hair dye stains in the bathroom. Ensure you choose a formula that doesn’t contain dyes, which could lead to further staining. Apply sparingly with a cloth, and ventilate the space while cleaning.

5. Commercial dye removers

Try a specialist dye remover if household products won’t remove stubborn stains. Always follow the instructions on the product label for the best results.

Questions about removing hair dye

How to get hair dye off walls

You can try a few methods to remove hair dye from walls. If the wall is painted, dab rubbing alcohol on the area using a cotton ball, then dry with a towel. Or try a magic eraser on dried stains. If the stain is stubborn, you might need to re-paint the area.

How to get hair dye off tiles

You can try any methods outlined in this guide to remove hair dye from tiles, including baking soda and vinegar or washing up liquid. Take care when using bleach or specialist stain removers on tiles, as it could damage the finish.

How to remove hair dye from your bathtub or sink

Try household products like baking soda, vinegar, washing-up liquid, bleach and nail polish remover to remove hair dye from bathtubs, sinks and shower enclosures. For more cleaning tips, check out our guide to cleaning your shower.

Can dye stains be removed after drying?

Soak the stain while wet using tissue or a towel to remove excess liquid. However, it’s best to do any stain removal treatment once the hair dye has dried, or you could risk spreading the stain.

Does hairspray remove hair dye stains?

Due to the alcohol content in hairspray, it can remove hair dye stains from clothes, carpets and fibres but may not be as effective on bathroom fixtures, walls or tiles. 

Check out our bathroom cleaning guide for more tips on stain removal and general maintenance to keep your bathroom looking its best.

You may also be interested in: