Can I dye a bath mat with a rubber backing?

Question

My bath mats faded in the wash, and I was going to dye them with Rit dye. The package says do not use on fabric with rubber backs like bath mats. Why not? Has anyone tried it?

Answer 1

The dye will either eat away at the rubber, or the dye will not stick to it. Always follow the directions.

Answer 2

Stop being cheap~~!!! GEEZE!!!

Answer 3

I've gotten email from people who regretted dyeing a bathroom rug, because the Rit dye permanently discolored the vinyl floor.

If your rubber-backed rug is made of cotton, you can safely dye it with a cool water fiber reactive dye, such as Procion MX dye, instead of all-purpose dye. You must wash repeatedly after dyeing, preferably in very hot water, to remove all excess unattached dye. If your rubber-backed rug is made of polyester, acrylic, or any other synthetic fiber, you cannot dye it successfully.