Name: Elena
Message: I looked, and didn't see this question...Is it possible to die black fabric white? I'm not too sure what type of fabric it is, I had it made years ago. It also has a lace jacket I'd like to dye white. Is any of this possible?  Thank you SOO much for your help!

No. Dye is transparent. That means it can only add color to fabric, not remove it. What you're interested in is not dye, but discharge agents that remove or destroy dye.

Some fabrics will tolerate bleaching. Synthetics such as polyester and nylon are destroyed by it, however, as are silk and wool. If you don't know the fiber content of your outfit, I strongly advise you to avoid bleach.

Another color discharge agent, sodium hydrosulfite (sold as Rit Color Remover or Carbona Color Run Remover), will also remove some dyes from fabrics, and it is safer for the fabrics that cannot tolerate bleach. It is not completely safe, however, and there is no guarantee that it will be effective. Many dyes cannot be discharged at all, or if they are, they may turn an odd color, such as a brownish orange, rather than white. Even if the fabric turns white and avoids disintegration, the stitching will probably stay its current color.

Also see "Is there a such thing as white dye", from this blog on the date September 11, 2005.

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[updated February 22, 2008]