-Mixing clothing items of different colors in the washing machine or dryer.
-Using too hot water when washing clothes (hot water can cause the dye to run).
-Using color-safe bleach that isn’t suitable for the fabric (certain bleaches can damage certain fabrics, causing the dye to run).
-Using fabric softener that contains optical brighteners (optical brighteners can cause dyes to bleed).
Fortunately, most color bleed stains can be removed with a few simple steps:
1. Blot the stain as soon as possible with a clean, dry cloth. Do not rub the stain, as this can cause the dye to spread further.
2. Rinse the stained area with cold water. Hold the fabric under a stream of cold water for several minutes, or until the water runs clear.
3. Apply a stain remover to the stain. There are many different types of stain removers on the market, so choose one that is specifically designed for color bleeding. Follow the instructions on the product label carefully.
4. Wash the stained item of clothing according to the care instructions on the label. Be sure to use cold water and a mild detergent.
5. Dry the stained item of clothing on the lowest heat setting. Avoid using the dryer if the care instructions specify that the garment should not be machine-dried.
If you’ve tried these steps and the stain is still visible, take it to a professional dry cleaner.
To prevent color bleeding in the future, follow these tips:
-Wash dark-colored clothing separately from light-colored clothing.
-Use cold water when washing clothes.
-Use color-safe bleach that is suitable for the fabric.
-Avoid using fabric softener that contains optical brighteners.