How to Dye Carpet for Free

Using different stain-producing agents and creating a multicolored carpet is a great way to dye carpet for free and make existing stains on the carpet less noticeable.

1. Examine the existing stains on your carpet. If you know how those stains developed, use similar stain agents to multicolor your carpet and camouflage the stains. Gather together all the solutions in your home that cause stains. Prepare for the job by removing all furniture from the room and donning old clothes and rubber gloves.

2. Bleach the carpet in random spots. Mix 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of warm water and apply the bleach water to the carpet with an old rag, towel or sponge. The diluted bleach will pull the colors from the carpet without destroying or dissolving the carpet fibers. Do not apply dripping wet towels or sponges; instead blot the bleach water onto the carpet for a textured effect. Allow the bleach spots to dry overnight before continuing your carpet dyeing treatment.

3. Repeat the blotting method with wine and juice. Use different colored wines and juices and wring out towels, washcloths and sponges before blotting onto the carpet in alternating spots. Allow the wine and juice stains to dry overnight.

4. Mix powdered drink mixes of various colors, tea leaves and coffee grinds into a container and sprinkle the dry ingredients over the carpet. Use a spray bottle filled with water to dampen the surface of the carpet after sprinkling on the mixture of staining materials. Allow the carpet to set for a few hours and spray another application of water to dampen the carpet and cause staining and dyeing by the dry powders, leaves and coffee grinds. Allow the carpet to dry thoroughly.

5. Vacuum the dry carpet to remove the leaves, grinds and powder residue. Pass the vacuum over the entire carpet 10 or more times to completely lift any debris from deep in the carpet.

6. Shampoo the carpet to lift out any stains that will release freely and prevent the dye from rubbing off on your clothes and skin later. Allow the carpet to dry after the first shampooing and then shampoo again. Return the furniture to the room after the carpet dries a second time.