Now you stir. Vigorously. For 20 to 45 minutes. Yes, your arm will hurt. Yes, you will question your life choices. But this is where the magic happens.
If you just drop the fabric in and watch TV, you’ll get a mottled, zebra-like disaster. Agitation makes sure every fiber gets its fair share of color. Think of it as gentle bullying.
The Cold Water Rinse of Victory
Once the time is up, rinse your fabric in cold water until the water runs clear. This stops the dye from slapping more color on the fibers. Then wash it with a mild detergent—alone, because it’ll bleed like a wounded drama queen.
How to Change the Colour of Fabric Upholstery - YouTube
Drying in the sun is best. The UV rays help fix the color and also make you look like a crafty wizard. If you use a dryer, you might shrink your masterpiece into a doll shirt.