Holly asked: How do I remove dye bleed on a red and white striped shirt?
Table of Contents:
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.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
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?
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!