HOW TO REMOVE DYE TRANSFER STAINS FROM COLORED CLOTHES

IS IT DIFFICULT TO REMOVE COLOR-BLEED STAINS FROM CLOTHES?

Color-bleed stains can be particularly stubborn, especially if the garment has already gone through the dryer. Heat can set the dye, making it much harder to remove. The key is to act fast. If you catch the stain early, you may be able to lift it before the dye settles deep into the fabric.

3 METHODS FOR REMOVING DYE TRANSFER STAINS FROM COLORED CLOTHES

When dye transfer happens, treat the stains as quickly as possible, ideally before the clothes go through the dryer where heat can lock them in. Pretreating before rewashing boosts your chances of removing the stains for good. Below, explore three pretreatment methods using oxygen bleach, vinegar, and enzyme-based detergent or stain remover.

• Step 1: Follow the instructions on the packaging to mix oxygen bleach with water, creating a cleaning solution. Then, fully submerge the stained items and let them soak for up to eight hours to give the bleach time to work through the stain.
• Step 2: Rewash soaked items according to the instructions on their care tag, using non-chlorinated oxygen bleach alongside your regular laundry detergent.
• Step 3: After rewashing, inspect the clothing for any remaining dye. If the stains are still visible, go back and repeat steps one and two. If the stain is gone, let the item air-dry to help prevent any hidden residue from setting in with dryer heat.

• Step 1: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a basin or tub deep enough to submerge clothing.
• Step 2: Fully submerge stained clothes in the mixture, leaving the clothes to soak for up to 30 minutes. Agitate the water periodically to help release loose dye in your clothes.
• Step 3: Rinse the item thoroughly with clean, cool water to remove any lingering vinegar.

If you decide to machine-wash your garment after treating it with vinegar, be sure to air-dry it afterward. This helps prevent any remaining stain from setting before you’re certain that it’s completely gone.

• Step 1: Add two tablespoons of detergent to the stained area, or apply stain remover per the package instructions, then use a brush to gently scrub the stain.
• Step 2: Soak the garment in water for 30 minutes, then wash according to the care tag’s instructions. 
• Step 3: Inspect your clothes at the end of the wash cycle and repeat the process if you notice lingering stains.
• Step 4: Air dry afterward to keep any lingering stains from setting in with heat.

HOW TO REMOVE COLOR TRANSFER STAINS FROM WHITE CLOTHES

Stains tend to stand out more on white clothes, making treatment feel even more urgent. For white, cotton-based garments, pretreating or washing with chlorine bleach may be especially effective. Follow the steps below to help lift color transfer stains from your whites. Always check your care labels and spot treat your garment in a small area first, to be sure the fabric can handle the treatment.

Step 1: Start by separating the stained white items from the rest. Place the affected cotton garments back into the washer, then add ½ cup of chlorine bleach—either directly into the drum or the bleach dispenser (check your washer’s manual for specific instruction on adding bleach). Wash as you normally would.

Step 2: If rewashing with chlorine bleach doesn’t fully remove the stains, try soaking the affected items. Mix 1 gallon of water with 3 tablespoons of chlorine bleach and fully submerge one garment at a time for up to 5 minutes. If the stain lingers, give it another 5-minute soak before rinsing.

Step 3: If all traces of dye are gone, wash your clothes according to their care tags, then air-dry to help avoid setting any unnoticed and lingering stains in the dryer.

TIPS FOR PREVENTING COLOR TRANSFER STAINS ON CLOTHES

Removing dye transfer stains from clothes can be tough, so preventing them in the first place can save you time and the hassle of stubborn stain treatment. Discover tips below that may help you avoid dye transfer stains in the washer. 

• Sort laundry thoroughly: Take extra time to ensure your clothes are properly sorted by whites, lights and darks before you add them to the washer.

• Check colorfastness: Testing clothes for colorfastness—or how well your garment can retain its color without running—can help you find out if items may be prone to loose dyes.

• Clean the washer drum: If it’s been a while, consider cleaning out your washer before you rewash stained clothes or add a new load to the washer. 

• Wash new clothes separately: New clothes may be more prone to bleeding color in the washer, so be sure to wash them alone to help reduce the risk of dye transferring to other clothes.