How to Remove Bleeding Dyes from Clothing

Holly asked: How do I remove dye bleed on a red and white striped shirt?

It’s very frustrating to wash a new shirt only to find the colors have blended during the wash cycle. It can be difficult to return the shirt to its original stripes, but there are times when the loose dye that has bled onto the white stripes can be removed. Try the applications below for the best chance at removing the misplaced dye.

You Will Need:

Clorox 2 (color safe bleach)
RIT Dye Fixative or
Synthrapol (available at art supply stores and online)

Steps to Remove the Bleeding Dye:

Begin by checking the care instructions on the shirt for any cleaning substances that should be avoided.
Fill a bucket of water with Clorox 2.
Place the shirt in the bucket and allow it to soak for several hours. If you are hesitant to use the color-safe bleach, test a small hidden area of the shirt first to ensure it does not discolor the colored sections.
The color safe bleach should remove the loose dye without affecting the other colors.
If the dye that has bled out is not removed, try a special dye remover.
RIT Dye Fixative is designed to bind to loose dyes and reduce color bleeding. It is designed specifically for this purpose and can be found at most drugstores and department stores along with the other RIT dyes. Check the label carefully as RIT also makes a dye remover that will essentially bleach the entire piece. This is NOT the one that you want. Synthrapol is a similar product that is designed to bond to loose dyes and remove them from the fabric. Since they only bond to loose dyes, they should not affect the other colors in the clothing.
For either product, follow the manufacturer’s directions on the packaging for use.

Additional Tips and Ideas

To avoid color bleeding with future clothing pieces, use Shout Color Catchers when washing multi-colored clothes or any clothes that have colors that may bleed. These sheets are available at any store and are designed to catch any loose dyes that enter the water during the washing cycle.
If all else fails, it may be possible to bleach the white areas to remove the color. To do this, mix a small amount of bleach with water and apply to the areas where you wish to remove the color. Use great caution not to get bleach on the colored areas. Wash the shirt immediately to remove any remaining bleach.

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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }

Liz June 3, 2009 at 12:31 pm clothes that bleed: I have several pieces that were damaged by a shirt that bled, I have washed them a couple of times and now have them sitting in soapy water until I can find a solution. Do you think the option above will still work after this long?
Pat Sikich October 5, 2009 at 3:44 pm A black cotton colored liner on a skirt bled on all the other skirts.: I washed four skirts together (all were cotton) Two skirts were black and white florals (which one skirt had a black cotton lining) , one floral tan and green, and a white and blue striped with a white eyelet cotton lining under the skirt. I wahed it in cold water. I have nerver washed all of these skirts together at the same time. I have washed them all individually with other clothes. Well one of the florals with the black lining is the critter. The black lining in one of the skirts bled to all my skirts. Now all the whites in the florals have turned to blue. The tan floral skirt is fine but the others are not. I did purchase the Clorax 2 and soaked the skirts for several hours and started to wash one of the skirts alone. The blue is not coming out. What should I do? Help!
Kenta Thomas December 20, 2009 at 9:15 am Washed red scarf that bleed on my son white shirt: I washed my scarf in with my son white t-shirts and the red scarf bleed on all the whites didn’t know that will happen, so if you have any natural remedies – help please …. I have the clothes sitting in cold water with liquid sunlight dish soap.
Gayle Moore December 24, 2009 at 12:20 am Help: A handmade stocking with Santa on it. Red hat got wet and bleed onto some of the stocking. This is a beige background with crewel embroidery all over it. Would love the save this piece.It is a sentimental piece to me. Any ideas?
shalini February 23, 2010 at 2:15 am suggest n help!!: my hubby’s new pink n white stripped cotton shirt is bleeded wid a blue colour of other fabric .can anyone help me by suggesting a method to remove that colour from the shirt widout damagingits original colour
Mel April 1, 2010 at 2:06 pm urgent help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!: I have a pair of purple pants and I just washed them and I come to find out the dye bleed on itself and there are parts of the jeans lighter then the other parts. How do I fix them to go back to the purple?
Liz April 26, 2010 at 11:15 am HELP!!! My Black and White Dress Bled: I got a little chocolate on a new dress on this weekend. Came home and washed the dress according to the instructions. When I took it out of the was, the black had bled into the white. The dress is white with an abstract black desin all over. What do I do??? I’m afraid to try the above and ruin it.
Plus I need the dress this weekend.
How can I fix this???

By the way .. the chocolate did come out of it.
Shanette June 11, 2010 at 11:11 am Black Bled onto White: I have the same problem as Liz from 4-26-10 Washed a black blouse with white ricrac trim on the collar…the collar is dingy now from the black bleeding on to it. HELP! its a very cute shirt…and need anyones suggestions!
Barbara June 19, 2010 at 8:46 am color bleeding: I washed some brand new bright orange shirts and a pair of Khaki capris with a pair of dark blue shorts in cold water and the dark blue shorts faded off on the Khaki’s and bright orange shirts and they look tye dye they also have been dried. Do you think this solution will work for my new clothes?