Have you ever washed a new piece of clothing only to discover that the color has run and bled onto other parts in the wash? Color bleeding is a common problem that can be difficult to fix.
How To Stop Color Bleeding In Your Clothes?
Reasons Why Color Bleeds From Clothes
Color bleeding occurs when the dyes used to create the fabric start running in water or come into contact with another fabric. This usually happens with materials not pre-treated or made with cheap dye.
The most common fabrics prone to color bleeding are cotton and some synthetics like polyester and nylon. Darker colors are more likely to bleed than lighter ones because they have more dye.
Tips For Preventing Color Bleeding
The best way to prevent color bleeding is by following the care instructions on the label of your garment. Ensure you’re washing the garment in cold water and use a gentle detergent formulated explicitly for colored fabrics.
Also, avoid using bleach or fabric softener, as these can cause color fading or bleeding. It’s also important to separate your dark clothes from your light clothes when washing them, as this will help keep colors from running together.
Finally, air-dry all of your colored garments rather than putting them in the dryer, as this will reduce any chances of them bleeding or fading over time.
How To Remove Color Bleeding From Colored Clothes?
If you find yourself dealing with color bleeding from your colored garments, there are some steps you can take to try and remove it before it sets into the fabric permanently.
The first step is always to check the care instructions on your garment’s label so you know what kind of detergent and temperature settings you should use when attempting a removal technique. Once you’ve done that, here are some methods you can use:
- Using white vinegar: Add 1 cup (240 ml) of white vinegar into 3 gallons (11 liters) of warm water and mix well before soaking the stained area for 10 minutes before washing as usual with mild detergent;
- Using baking soda: Dissolve ½ cup (120 g) baking soda into 2 quarts (2 liters) of hot water before soaking the stained area for 30 minutes before washing as usual;
- Using salt: Dissolve ½ cup (120 g) table salt into 2 quarts (2 liters) of hot water before soaking for 10 minutes before washing as usual;
- Using lemon juice: Apply fresh lemon juice directly onto the stain, then soak for 30 minutes before washing as usual;
- Rubbing alcohol: Apply rubbing alcohol directly onto the stain, then soak for 10 minutes before washing as usual;
- Aspirin tablets: Crush two aspirin tablets then dissolve them in 4 cups (960 ml) of hot water before soaking the stained area for 20 minutes then rinse thoroughly and wash normally;
- Hydrogen peroxide solution: Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and cold water, apply directly onto the stain, and then soak for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly and washing.
If none of these techniques work, consider taking your item to a professional cleaner who may have access to more powerful cleaning solutions that could help remove stubborn stains caused by color bleeding.
Taking precautions like reading garment labels carefully, separating dark colors from light colors when laundering items, and air-drying items instead of machine drying them – these simple steps can go a long way towards preventing future incidents of color bleed ruining your favorite pieces!
