How to Bleach a Design on Fabric Using Dish Detergent

Did you know you can bleach a design on fabric … with dish detergent?  You can draw designs, patterns, monograms, or whatever you want on cloth napkins, a table runner, or even clothing to create something completely unique.  You know I love simple and this idea truly is simple and cheap … which is always the best combination, right?

To bleach fabric with dish detergent, you’ll need 100% cotton fabric {napkins, a table runner, t-shirts}, gel dishwasher detergent with bleach, and a squirt bottle with or without tips {the tips will allow you to create finer lines but they aren’t a necessity}.

You can order the supplies for this project easily by clicking the affiliate links below.

Fill the squirt bottle with gel dishwasher detergent {it must be detergent that has bleach in it}, apply a tip if desired, and start drawing.  I chose to add a monogram to colorful cloth napkins …

… and I just free-handed it.

If you don’t like your writing or trust that you can keep it consistent, create the text or design on the computer and print it out …

… then place the paper under the fabric and use the text as a guideline, drawing over it with the squirt bottle.

Once the design is complete, let the gel dishwasher detergent sit until you can see the fabric has bleached completely in that spot then toss it in the washing machine {being careful not to turn the bleached area onto the other fabric} and run it through a normal cold cycle.  Dry in the dryer and iron as needed.

It’s as simple as that.  Experiment with designs …

… and different tips to create a customized look.

Just be careful with the amount of detergent that you squeeze on.  Although the gel type detergent sits in place, thicker lines will bleed slightly, creating some blurry edges.

Whether you choose thick or thin lines, the final look is so fun and unique.

What would you decorate with a bleached design?