Got Hair Dye On Your Wood Cabinets? Here's How To Clean It Off

Imagine indulging in a DIY hair coloring session at home and feeling excited about how your new look will turn out. Everything is going smoothly, and you're happy because you know it's cheaper than going to a salon when, all of a sudden, a splash of hair dye lands on your wooden cabinet. It may seem like a minor mark at first, but that stubborn stain can quickly become a glaring eyesore over time. You might find yourself wondering: "Was the money I saved by skipping a professional hair dye job really worth it if I now have to spend extra to fix my cabinet?"

Before you start thinking about refacing or even replacing your cabinets altogether take a deep breath, and first try a simple and effective solution for your hair dye problem using items you likely already have at home. It is just a simple mixture of baking soda and liquid dish detergent. The baking soda works as a gentle abrasive while the detergent breaks down the dye molecules. This combination creates a paste that can lift fresh stains without damaging the wood's protective finish, making it an ideal first line of defense before using stronger solvents for more stubborn stains. It's also a good addition to knowing how to remove hair dye stains from bathroom surfaces and towels.

To start, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of liquid dish detergent in a small bowl. Add a small amount of water — enough to make a thick paste that can easily stick to the surface. Next, dip a soft cloth or a sponge and gently apply it to the stained area in small and circular motions following the wood grain's direction. This avoids scratches on the wood while also helping the paste penetrate the stain better. Let the mixture sit on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes to give it time to break down the dye particles.

This method works great because it removes the dye without messing up the wood's protective finish, typically polyurethane, varnish, and lacquer. It works best on sealed wood with a clear protective coating since the finish prevents the dye from penetrating very deeply. Doing this, however, is not recommended on painted wood since it might cause damage. It may also be difficult to use on untreated wood without a protective finish since the dye may have been absorbed into the grain, especially if it took you a long time to address the mess.

This solution is generally safe for wood, but ideally, you'll test it on a hidden area first, ensuring that it doesn't damage the finish or alter your cabinet's color. Avoid excessive scrubbing or applying too much pressure, which could wear down the protective coating. Remember that wood is sensitive to moisture, so use minimal water and completely dry the area afterward to prevent long-term damage from lingering moisture.

Don't worry if the baking soda and detergent paste doesn't do the trick. There are other options to try. A mixture of white vinegar and water can work for certain types of wood finishes. You can also add baking soda to the mixture. Do this by dampening a cloth with the solution and gently rubbing the stained area. Use this sparingly since the vinegar's acidity could damage the finish if used excessively. Using one part vinegar to 10 parts of water should do the trick to minimize the risk of damaging the finish.

You can also mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide for dye stains. Just mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide to form a thick paste, then apply it to the stain using a soft cloth or sponge. You can even try using non-gel toothpaste to benefit from its mild abrasiveness. Keep in mind, however, that hydrogen peroxide has a natural bleaching effect and may lighten wood with darker finishes. Many whitening toothpastes contain peroxide, which could have a similar effect, so it's best to test these on a hidden area first.

These simple and accessible solutions can definitely save your cabinets from unsightly hair dye stains and keep your space looking fresh and cohesive. But even if this quick DIY fix exists to help restore your wooden cabinets, nothing beats being more careful by covering the area with plastic wrap or an old towel before dyeing your hair. And if spills happen, remember to wipe them up immediately to reduce the chance of the dye setting into the wood.