We’ve all been there: you're in the middle of a fun DIY project, dyeing some fabric with Rit dye, and suddenly, oops! A drop or splash hits the bathtub.

The last thing you want is to be left with a stained tub. So, what happens if that dye ends up on your bathtub? Will it leave a permanent mark, or can you clean it up with ease?

Turns out, Rit dye can stain SOME bathtubs.

In this post, I'll go over if Rit dye can stain your bathtub and, if it does, how to get rid of it.

Does Rit Dye Stain Bathtubs?

Rit dye is a powerful fabric dye, so it can stain just about anything it touches - bathtubs included.

That said, it's pretty unlikely to permanently ruin most tubs, especially if yours is made of porcelain or that shiny modern ceramic stuff. These materials don’t absorb dye very easily, so a little spill usually won’t cause long-term damage.

How To Remove Rit Dye More From A Bathtub

Now that we’ve covered how likely it is for Rit dye to stain, let’s talk about the good news: if you do spill dye, there are several ways to clean it up.

Here are some simple and effective ways to get Rit dye out of your bathtub:

#1. Mild Dish Soap

First, before you grab anything harsher, try starting with some mild dish soap and warm water.

This is especially helpful if the stain is fresh. The dish soap can break down the dye a bit, and the warm water will help loosen it up.

Just mix some soap into a bowl of warm water, dip a cloth or sponge in, and start gently scrubbing the stained area. It won’t be a miracle worker if the stain’s been sitting for a while, but it’s worth a try before moving on to something stronger.

Also Read: Can You Mix Bleach And Comet?

#2. Baking Soda And Vinegar

If the dish soap doesn’t do the trick, grab some baking soda and vinegar.

Combining these two common household items gives us a very strong cleaner.

The fizzy reaction can help lift stubborn stains, and baking soda has some gentle abrasiveness that can scrub away dye without damaging your tub.

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the stained area, then pour a little vinegar over it.

It’ll fizz up, which is a good sign. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to work its magic, then scrub it away with a sponge or cloth.

Rinse with warm water to finish up.

#3. Magic Eraser

Next up, if the stain is still sticking around, it might be time to pull out a Magic Eraser.

These things are made from melamine foam, and they work wonders on most surfaces.

Just wet the Magic Eraser, gently scrub the stained area, and watch it work.

But a quick tip: Don’t press too hard! Magic Erasers can be a bit abrasive, and while they’re great for cleaning, too much scrubbing might cause minor scratches, especially on more delicate surfaces like acrylic or fiberglass. So be gentle and patient.

How To Remove Rit Dye More From A Bathtub

#4. Bleach

If your bathtub is white and the stain is really stubborn, bleach is a good option.

But, use it with caution. Bleach is pretty harsh, so make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area, and wear gloves to protect your hands.

You can either dilute bleach with water (about 1 part bleach to 10 parts water) or use it full-strength if the stain is particularly tough. Apply it directly to the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes.

Once you’ve given it some time, scrub the stain away and rinse thoroughly.

Keep in mind, bleach is more effective on white tubs and surfaces. It can be a little harsh on colored or glossy finishes.

#5. Acetone

You can also try some acetone (which is basically nail polish remover) for tougher stains.

Acetone can break down the dye faster than a lot of other methods, but you’ll want to use it carefully.

Pour a little acetone onto a cloth or cotton ball and gently rub the stained area. Keep the area well-ventilated since acetone has a strong smell. Also, be cautious if your tub’s finish is delicate, as acetone can damage some types of surfaces.

Test it on a small, inconspicuous spot first just to be sure.

Also Read: Can I Use Acetone On Stainless Steel?

Wrapping Up

The bottom line here is that Rit dye can stain your bathtub.

If you have a porcelain or ceramic tub, you’re probably safe, especially if it’s glossy and well-maintained. But if your tub’s made from acrylic, fiberglass, or has any damage, the chances of a permanent stain are higher.

If you do find yourself in a sticky situation with dye on your tub, don't worry too much. There are plenty of cleaning methods that can help you remove the stain.

And remember, a little bit of patience and elbow grease usually goes a long way.

If all else fails, you can always call in a professional cleaner. But in most cases, you'll be able to get that Rit dye out of your bathtub easily.

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