Even with modern fabrics, color bleeds still happen when you launder new garments. The good news is they're preventable; you can still remove that stain if the worst comes to the worst.
Some garments may require several washes before they become colorfast. It's easy to settle for a couple of washes and hope for the best until you open the washer door!
This quick read will help you understand what causes dye transfer stains and which products remove them, including some new kids on the block that take stain removal to the next level.
What Causes Dye Transfer Stains?
With new, never-washed fabrics, there's a risk that dyes can transfer onto other garments during the laundry cycle. It's called color bleed.
This process can also happen with the moisture caused by human sweat or even when it rains.
Dyes in new fabrics are often unstable, so following the golden rule of always washing new clothes on their own or hand washing first can save you from a whole pile of stained laundry.
However, dye transfer stains are not just a 'new clothes' problem. Even older clothes that are colorfast can create issues if they accidentally end up with your whites.
Can Dye Transfer Stains Be Removed?
You can remove dye transfer stains with chlorine-free or oxygenated bleach, but don't confuse this with the stuff you put down in the toilet!
Oxygen bleach is a natural plant-derived product with a chemical name of sodium percarbonate.
It's gentler than chlorine bleach and removes stains without harming the other colors or the fabric.
Mixing oxygen bleach with water creates hydrogen peroxide, which disinfects and sterilizes clothes—something to remember when you have a household with respiratory viruses or norovirus.
Even better news is that you can use oxygen bleach on whites and colors in all water temperatures, although it dissolves better in warmer washes.
So, what's the difference between oxygen bleach and chlorine bleach? It's simple.
Oxygen bleach has a different chemical compound than chlorine bleach and works more gradually. It’s often considered gentler on fabrics and compatible with a range of materials.
It breaks the chemical bond between the dye and the fabric. It also removes detergent residues on garments from previous washes and fabric conditioner build-up that can leave clothes stiff with dull color.
Oxygen bleach, which comes in liquid and powder forms, is also an excellent pick-up and brightener for dingy whites.
Another alternative is innovative stain removers made without chlorine bleach or harsh solvents. These brands' commitment to clean laundry is as strong as their commitment to a mess-free laundry process, providing a convenient alternative to traditional detergents.
How To Remove Dye Transfer Stains From Colored Clothes
Identify All the Stained Garments
So, you open the washing machine door and, with a heavy heart, realize your once-white t-shirt now looks like something tie-dyed. You'll need to act fast.
Find the culprit garment and put it to one side.
Next, locate all the stained items and separate them. Anything that’s unstained can dry as usual.
Rewash Stained Clothes With an Oxygen-Based Bleach and Detergent
Reload the machine for another wash using your regular detergent and an oxygen-based bleach, sometimes also called non-chlorine. Don't use household bleach.
An alternative to oxygen bleach is stain-busting laundry sheets. These are bleach-free and contain carefully selected ingredients. Many brands also use recyclable cardboard packaging to reduce plastic waste.
Oxygen bleach is often considered safe for wool and silk when used as directed, making it a versatile choice alongside detergent sheets.
If you use laundry sheets, you won't need your regular detergent; the sheets are completely in the wash.
Soak the Stained Clothes and Then Wash Again
Make a bowl of oxygen-based bleach and cool water and soak the garments for around eight hours, taking care to ensure they are fully submerged. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the ratio of oxygen bleach to water. Then, launder any fabrics with unwanted stains again in your washer.
Tips for Preventing Dye Transfer
- Wash new clothes separately for the first couple of times—new clothes can take several washes before the dye begins to set properly.
- Separate colors so you have similar washloads
- Have a rule that you don't wash colors with whites
- Do a colorfast test by moistening a cotton swab and rubbing it on the seam or hem of the garment. If dye appears on the swab, then this fabric is not colorfast.
- Check the pockets in clothing, as overlooked items like tissues and other detritus can encourage dye transfer stains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Vinegar Remove Dye Transfer?
Vinegar contains acid, which can help lift dye transfer stains. Before you launder the item, create a blend of one part vinegar to one part water, and then use a plant spray bottle to wet the fabric with the solution. Let it soak for 15-30 minutes before rinsing and putting in the washer.
Does Hydrogen Peroxide Remove Color Transfer?
Hydrogen peroxide is the solution created by adding oxygen bleach to water and works well to remove dye transfer stains with a powerful yet gentle action. Pre-soak the fabric in oxygen bleach following the manufacturer's instructions for around twenty minutes before rinsing thoroughly and then laundering in the washer.
Final Thoughts
Even separate washing a couple of times doesn't always guarantee that your new item won't bleed color into the rest of your wash. Don't trust the label, either!
Mistakes happen; even something as small as leaving a tissue in your denim pocket can create dye stain transfer, even on garments you've owned for a long time.
Fortunately, products like oxygen bleach and laundry detergent sheets provide effective stain removal. Some brands, like Freddie, use formulas free of harmful chemicals such as phosphates, brighteners, parabens, dyes, and 1,4-dioxane and come in low-waste packaging.