To get excess dye out of new clothes, wash them separately in cold water, potentially adding vinegar or a commercial color fixative to help set the remaining dye.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:
Initial Steps: The First Wash is Key
The very first wash is crucial for dealing with excess dye. Here's how to approach it:
- Wash Separately: Always wash new, brightly colored or dark clothing items separately from other clothes, especially lighter-colored items. This prevents dye transfer.
- Cold Water: Use cold water. Hot water encourages dye release, so stick to cold to minimize the amount of dye that bleeds out.
- Gentle Cycle: Opt for a gentle cycle to be kinder to the fabric and minimize friction, which can release more dye.
Adding Color Fixatives
Using a color fixative can help prevent future bleeding.
- Vinegar: Add one cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle. Vinegar is a natural color fixative that helps set the dye in the fabric.
- Commercial Dye Fixatives: Products like Retayne or Synthrapol are specifically designed to prevent dye bleeding. Follow the product instructions carefully.
Dealing with Stubborn Dye Bleeding
Sometimes, a single wash isn't enough. Here's what to do if dye continues to bleed:
- Repeat Washing: Repeat the washing process (cold water, separate wash, vinegar or dye fixative) until the water runs clear. This may take several washes.
- Soaking: For particularly stubborn cases, soak the garment in cold water with vinegar or a dye fixative for several hours or overnight before washing.
- Avoid the Dryer: Do not put the garment in the dryer until you are sure the dye is no longer bleeding. The heat from the dryer can set the dye, making stains harder to remove. Air dry the garment instead.
What Not To Do
- Avoid Hot Water: As previously mentioned, hot water encourages dye bleeding.
- Don't Overload the Washer: Overloading the washer can prevent proper rinsing and increase the likelihood of dye transfer.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove excess dye from new clothes and prevent unwanted color bleeding.
