Henna is a natural dye of plant origin that is often used to create beautiful temporary tattoos or to color and strengthen the hair. Henna tends to discolour over time, but if you have stained yourself, chances are you will want to clean the leather or fabric immediately. Read on if you want to know how to remove a henna stain easily, using one of the products you already have at home.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Remove a Henna Stain from the Skin
Step 1. Mix oil and salt in equal parts in a bowl
Olive oil is an emulsifier while salt is an exfoliant, so combined they are ideal for removing henna from the skin. You can use the variety of salt you prefer. If you don't want to waste olive oil, you can use the one for children.
Step 2. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and rub it into the stained skin
Swirl it vigorously over the henna stain to remove it. When the cotton dries, moisten and use a new swab. Keep scrubbing until the stain has completely disappeared.
Step 3. Leave the mixture on the skin for 10 minutes before rinsing off
If you feel like there are traces of henna left, apply a generous dose of the oil and salt mixture and leave it on. After about ten minutes, wash the skin with warm water and a mild soap, then rinse it thoroughly.
Step 4. Use hydrogen peroxide if the stain is still visible
If there is any henna left on your skin, don't despair. Dip a clean cotton ball into hydrogen peroxide and use it to scrub the stain. When the cotton begins to absorb the henna, replace it with a new, damp swab. Keep scrubbing until the skin is clean again.
Hydrogen peroxide is delicate, so it shouldn't cause irritation. If your skin feels dry after cleansing, apply an unscented moisturizer
Method 2 of 2: Remove a Henna Stain from a Fabric
Step 1. Clean the fabric as soon as possible
You will have less trouble getting it clean again if you intervene immediately after the stain has occurred. If the henna takes time to dry it will set on the fibers, so do your best to remove the stain immediately.
Step 2. Blot the area with a clean rag or paper towel
Be careful not to scrub so as not to expand the stain. Simply press a soft, absorbent cloth or piece of paper over the henna to absorb the excess dye. If you don't have a rag handy, use a paper towel or kitchen roll. do not use a towel or something similar as the dye will ruin it. Use a clean corner of fabric or paper each time you blot the stain to prevent it from spreading.
Step 3. Scrub the stained fabric with soap and an old toothbrush
You can use laundry detergent or a fabric stain remover (make sure they are suitable for the color and type of fabric). Pour a few drops directly on the stain if it is a garment that can be washed by hand or in the washing machine. Alternatively, use a dry stain remover. Rub the product into the stain with a clean old toothbrush. Keep scrubbing until there are no more traces of henna left between the fibers.
Step 4. Rinse the fabric with cold water
Pour it on the stain or place the garment directly under the tap to wash off the detergent and dye. Do not use hot water as the heat tends to set stains. Continue rinsing until all the foam and henna have been removed.
Step 5. Treat stubborn stains with vinegar or disinfectant alcohol
If there are streaks left, pour a small amount of distilled white vinegar or disinfectant alcohol directly onto the stained fabric. Leave the product on for 30-60 minutes, then wash the garment as you usually do. If it's too big to put in the washing machine, rinse it by hand with water to get rid of the alcohol or vinegar.
