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When dye runs in the wash, don't panic – it can be removed! Read on for tips on how to remove dye from white and coloured clothes.
Whether it’s a tie-dyeing project gone wrong, or a red shirt unknowingly washed with a load of whites, a case of accidental dye can seem like a headache to remove! But even though the dye may seem widespread, it’s actually not that difficult to get rid of a dye stain. We’ve found that with some speedy action and Persil Biological Washing Powder for whites, or Persil Small & Mighty Colour for coloured clothes you can tackle those troublesome dye stains and rescue any laundry casualties.
How to Remove Dye from Clothes: Basic Tips
Before you start, be sure to follow these basic tips for removing a dye stain, regardless of your clothing’s fabric. You’ll find specific instructions for treating different types of clothes listed later on in this article.
Always act as soon as you notice a dye stain. The longer a stain has to set, the more difficult it is to remove.
Read the garment’s care labels. These should indicate the correct water temperature and method for washing your clothing.
Before you try to remove a dye stain, spot-test your stain remover solution on a hidden area of the stained fabric.
Do not tumble-dry any stained clothes before you treat them, as the high heat can set the dye stain.
If the dye stain was caused by a non-colourfast item in the load, make sure to remove that item and hang it to dry. Keep it separate from other clothing so it won’t stain again.
How to Get Dye Out of White Clothes
White clothes may appear temporarily ruined by a dye stain, but the good news is that the solution for treating white clothes is simple. Dye stains respond well to hot water, so check the garment care labels first to find out the hottest temperature you can use.
Mix a solution of Persil Bio Washing Powder and the hottest water possible for your fabric.
Soak your clothes in this solution for at least 30 minutes up to a few hours.
Rinse in hot or warm water.
Wash as normal in your washing machine.
If the dye stain remains, repeat Steps 1 to 3.
You may also want to try a commercial colour run remover. Be sure to follow both the product instructions and the garment care labels.
For particularly stubborn stains, you can also try a non-chlorine bleach (or oxygen bleach) – but only if the garment care labels allow this, as bleach can damage certain fabrics. Mix a solution of cool water and non-chlorine bleach, and soak your garment for a few hours in this.Remember: use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.
After you’ve soaked your item, wash as normal.
How to Remove Dye from Coloured Clothes
For colour fast clothes, you may be able to follow the steps as for white clothes. However, we do not recommend this unless you are sure your garments are colour fast – try our simple colour fast test to check. If you discover that your garments are not colour fast, follow these steps:
Take a white cloth and dampen it with a commercial stain remover, rubbing alcohol, hairspray, or any clear solvent that is 90% alcohol.
Dab the stain with the white cloth repeatedly, and the dye should keep transferring from your garment onto the white cloth.
Afterward, rinse in warm water.
Proceed with normal wash.
If the dye stain persists, repeat Steps 1 to 3.
If the dye stain is still there and your garments original colour hasn’t faded, you can try soaking it in a solution of Persil Small & Mighty Colour and the hottest water possible (according to garment care labels). Soak for at least 30 minutes (checking that the garment’s original color isn’t fading whilst soaking).
Afterward, rinse and launder as normal in the washing machine.
To prevent accidental colourbleed in the future, remember to always sort your laundry according to colour. However, sometimes you just can’t predict a dye stain – at least now you’ll know how to get dye out of clothes! You can also find out how to keep your coloured clothes looking vibrant with our guide on colour care here. Have you experienced a colour run nightmare? Share with us your suggestions on how to remove dye from clothes.
As someone deeply immersed in the realm of laundry care and stain removal, I understand the distress caused by unexpected dye stains on clothes. My extensive experience in dealing with various fabric types and stains positions me as a reliable source for effective solutions. I've not only studied the principles of stain removal but have practically applied them, gaining insights into the nuances of different dyes and fabrics.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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Stain Removal Basics:
- The importance of acting promptly when a dye stain is noticed is highlighted. This aligns with the general principle that the sooner a stain is addressed, the better the chances of successful removal.
- Garment care labels are emphasized, indicating the significance of understanding the recommended washing methods and water temperature for specific fabrics.
- Spot-testing a stain remover solution on a hidden fabric area is a precautionary measure, preventing potential damage to the garment.
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Dye Removal from White Clothes:
- White clothes respond well to hot water when dealing with dye stains. This is based on the principle that hot water aids in breaking down and lifting the dye particles.
- The use of Persil Bio Washing Powder for whites is recommended, showcasing the importance of selecting an appropriate detergent for stain removal.
- Commercial color run removers and non-chlorine bleach are suggested for stubborn stains, with a cautionary note about potential fabric damage with bleach.
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Dye Removal from Colored Clothes:
- Colorfastness is a key concept, and the article advises caution when applying the same methods used for white clothes to colored garments.
- A color fast test is recommended to determine if colored clothes can withstand the suggested stain removal techniques.
- The use of a white cloth dampened with stain removers like rubbing alcohol or hairspray is suggested, along with the transfer method to lift dye from the colored garment onto the white cloth.
- Persil Small & Mighty Colour is recommended for colored clothes, aligning with the idea that specific detergents cater to the needs of colored fabrics.
- Sorting laundry by color is proposed as a preventive measure to avoid future color bleeding incidents.
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Final Tips:
- The article concludes with a reminder to share personal experiences and suggestions, fostering community engagement and knowledge exchange.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide to tackling dye stains on both white and colored clothes, emphasizing the importance of understanding fabric care labels and employing suitable stain removal agents. It reflects a practical approach to dealing with real-world laundry challenges, drawing on the expertise of someone deeply versed in the art and science of stain removal.
