Yes, you can use OUT White Brite on colored clothes, but with a very important condition: each colored item must first be tested for colorfastness of the dye. This critical step is necessary to prevent any bleeding or discoloring of your garments.
Understanding OUT White Brite's Primary Use
While OUT White Brite is formulated primarily to whiten and brighten white laundry, its use can extend to colored fabrics if proper precautions are taken. The product's powerful brightening agents, which work wonders on whites, can potentially strip color from non-colorfast dyes, leading to irreversible damage.
The Essential Condition: Colorfastness Testing
As explicitly stated by the manufacturer, OUT White Brite can be used on colored laundry only if:
- Each colored item is first tested to determine colorfastness of the dye, which will avoid bleeding or discoloring.
This means it's not a general-purpose solution for all colored loads without individual assessment. Failing to test can result in your clothes losing their vibrant color, developing patchy spots, or bleeding dye onto other items in the wash.
How to Perform a Colorfastness Test
To ensure your colored garments are safe to treat with OUT White Brite, follow these steps for a colorfastness test:
- Choose an Inconspicuous Area: Select a hidden part of the garment, such as an inside seam, the back of a hem, or an area that won't be easily seen.
- Apply a Small Amount: Mix a tiny amount of OUT White Brite with water according to package directions (or apply a drop of the neat product if testing a direct application). Dab this mixture onto the chosen inconspicuous area using a cotton swab or a clean white cloth.
- Wait and Observe: Let the product sit on the fabric for 5-10 minutes (or the recommended maximum contact time on the product label).
- Blot and Check: Blot the area with a clean, damp white cloth.
- Evaluate Results:
- If no color transfers onto the white cloth and the fabric's original color remains unchanged, the item is likely colorfast and safe to treat.
- If color transfers or the fabric's color appears faded or altered, do not use OUT White Brite on that garment.
When to Use OUT White Brite on Colored Clothes (Conditional Use)
To summarize the usage of OUT White Brite on colored items, refer to the table below:
| Condition for Use on Colored Clothes | Outcome if Condition Met | Outcome if Condition Not Met |
|---|---|---|
| Each colored item is first tested to determine colorfastness of the dye. | Avoids bleeding or discoloring, preserving fabric. | Potential bleeding, discoloration, or permanent damage. |
Practical Insights and Recommendations
- Prioritize Safety: Always err on the side of caution. If you're unsure about an item's colorfastness, it's best not to use OUT White Brite on it.
- Separate Laundry: Even if tested, consider washing tested colored items separately from your most treasured or brightly colored garments to further minimize risk.
- Follow Directions: Always adhere to the specific instructions provided on the OUT White Brite packaging for dilution and application.
- Targeted Use: Consider using it for specific issues on colorfast colored items, such as dinginess or slight yellowing that isn't due to dye transfer.
By following the colorfastness test, you can effectively use OUT White Brite on suitable colored garments while protecting them from potential damage.
