How to remove color bleeding from clothes

What is dye transfer and why does it happen? 

Have you ever accidentally thrown a red sock in with your whites and ended up with pink laundry? That’s dye transfer. Dye transfer occurs when loose or unstable dyes from one garment bleed onto another during washing. This is most likely to happen with new, brightly colored clothes or when washing mixed loads. Color bleeding can affect both colored and white clothes, leaving behind unexpected stains that may seem daunting to remove if not addressed quickly.

Common scenarios leading to dye transfer 

Color bleeding can happen due to several circumstances, including:

• Washing new red or dark-colored clothes with lighter items

• Overloading the washing machine, causing excessive friction

• Using the wrong water temperature or laundry cycle

• Not sorting laundry properly

Understanding these scenarios helps you take proactive steps to try and prevent dye transfer before it starts.

Step-by-step: How to remove dye transfer stains from colored clothes 

Accidents happen, but with the right process, you can often rescue your family’s clothes. Consider these steps when you’re trying to figure out how to get dye stains out of clothes:

Step 1: Act quickly and separate

• Remove stained items from the wash as soon as you spot dye transfer.

• Keep stained clothes apart from other laundry to help prevent further transfer.

Step 2: Check the care label

• Always read the garment’s care label before treating stains. This helps you choose methods and products that are ideal for the fabric. Be sure to try a spot treatment in an inconspicuous area first, to make sure your fabric can handle it.

Step 3: Choose a treatment

There are a few choices when it comes to removing dye transfer stains. Read on to learn what some of your options are:

Oxygen bleach (color-safe bleach)

• Dissolve oxygen bleach in a tub of cool water according to package instructions.

• Submerge the stained garment and soak for up to 8 hours.

• Wash as usual with a gentle detergent.

• Air-dry and check for any remaining stains before using the dryer.

Vinegar pre-treatment

• Avoid vinegar on delicate items or garments with elastic.

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and cool water in a sink or basin.

• Soak the stained item for 30 minutes, gently agitating the water.

• Rinse thoroughly with cool water.

• Wash as usual and air-dry.

Enzyme-based detergent or stain remover

• Apply a small amount of enzyme-based detergent or stain remover directly to the stained area.

• Gently scrub with a soft brush or your fingers.

• Let the garment soak in cool water for 30 minutes.

• Wash according to the care label, then air-dry.

Step 4: Repeat if necessary

• Some stains may require more than one treatment. If the stain persists, repeat the process before drying. And never run a stained garment through the dryer, as the heat may set the stain.

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How to remove dye transfer stains from white clothes 

White clothes are especially prone to dye transfer, since they are often washed in hot water, which is more conducive to dye transfer than cold water. But don’t worry—your whites can often be restored from their encounter with a red sock with the right approach:

• Separate the stained white items immediately.

• If the care label allows, add ½ cup of chlorine bleach to the washer or use the bleach dispenser. For a gentler option, use oxygen bleach.

• For stubborn stains, soak the item in a solution of 1 gallon water plus 3 tablespoons chlorine bleach for up to 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

• Wash as usual and air-dry to check for any remaining stains.

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How to help prevent dye transfer and color bleeding 

A few simple habits can help you avoid dye transfer and color bleeding:

• Sort laundry carefully: Wash whites, lights and darks separately. 

• Test for colorfastness: Before washing new clothes, dampen a hidden area and blot with a white cloth. If color transfers, wash separately the first few times.

• Wash new items alone: New clothes are more likely to bleed dye.

• Don’t overload the washer: Overloading can cause friction and possibly increase the risk of dye transfer.

• Choose the right cycle: Use gentle cycles for delicates and the right settings for heavily soiled clothes. 

• Clean your washer regularly: A clean washer might help prevent leftover dye from transferring to future loads.
• Watch the hot water: Hot temps encourage color bleed. So be sure loads washed in hot water don’t have rogue red socks or another item that may bleed color.

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Tips for battling color bleeding stains 

• Act quickly: The sooner you treat a stain, the better your chances of removal.

• Air-dry first: Heat from the dryer can set stains, so always air-dry after treating.

• Repeat as needed: Some stains require more than one treatment.

• Use the right products: For delicate or colored fabrics, opt for oxygen bleach or enzyme-based detergents instead of chlorine bleach.

• Go Cold: If your care tags allow, use cold water, which is often best for preventing color bleeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can vinegar remove dye stains?

White vinegar may help lift dye stains when used as a soak before washing, but it’s not always effective for fighting set-in stains and should never be poured directly into the washing machine.

Is dye transfer permanent?

Dye transfer stains are not always permanent, but they become harder to remove if exposed to heat from the dryer. Acting promptly can increase the chances of success.

Can you remove dye transfer from clothes after drying?

It’s difficult to remove dye stains after clothes have been dried, as heat sets the stain. Multiple treatments may be needed, and results can vary.

A strategic approach to laundry care

Caring for your family’s clothes is about more than just removing stains—it’s about helping everyone feel comfortable, confident and cared for. With the right laundry strategies, a little patience and helpful appliances, you can fight dye transfer stains and help keep your family’s wardrobe looking vibrant, wash after wash.