Have you ever had to deal with dye transfer stains on your clothes? It doesn’t matter if the culprit is a red sock, a yellow shirt, or some blue jeans. Having dye stains on clothes is always frustrating.
What Is Dye Stain
Dye transfer stains happen when you toss in brand-new colored clothes in your laundry. Some clothes are dyed with unstable coloring agents that bleed when soaked in water. Colored paper can also leave dye stains if it is left in your pockets and thrown into the washing machine.
How to Avoid Getting Dye Transfer Stains
- Dye transfer stains are a common laundry issue that can easily be avoided by sorting your clothes by color and emptying the pockets before washing.
- If you notice the color of the water changing while washing, stop the cycle and find the fabric or paper that is causing the damage and pull it out of the water.
- Do not dry any of the damaged clothes in the clothes dryer until you have successfully removed the stain.
How to Remove Dye Transfer Stains From Colored Clothes
Dye transfer stain removal can be a bit tricky. That’s why you need to know exactly what you need to do to avoid any further damage to your clothes.
What You’ll Need
- Basin
- Water
- Oxygen-based Bleach
- Chlorine Bleach
1. Rewash Clothes With Oxygen-Based Bleach and Detergent
Rewashing colored clothing with non-chlorine bleach, specifically oxygen-based, is the first step to getting rid of dye stains. Do this before putting the clothes in the dryer.
2. Soak Stubborn Stains in Oxygen-Based Bleach
If rewashing can’t remove the dye transfer stains, you will need to soak the clothes in oxygen-based bleach and cold water before rewashing. To make sure you use the right amount of bleach, follow the directions on the package. Submerge the stained garments and let them soak for about 8 hours.
If the stain remains, soak it again in a fresh solution of bleach and water for another 8 hours before rewashing.
3. Wash as Recommended
Once the dye stains are completely removed, wash the clothes as recommended on their care label.
How to Remove Dye Transfer Stains From White Clothes
Same with the process above, you must first rewash the clothes with chlorine, soak stubborn stains, and then wash as usual. However, with white fabric, use chlorine bleach instead. You can make a solution with half a cup of chlorine bleach and water for rewashing.
Always remember that chlorine bleach can only be used for white clothes. Never use it on any type of colored clothes or synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon.
How to Remove Dye Transfer Stains From Upholstery
The most common causes for dye stains on upholstery are blue jeans. Wearing jeans with unstable dye can damage the fabric of any chair or couch you are sitting on. To remove it, you can:
1. Use Oxygen-Based Bleach
Oxygen-based bleach can be used for colored clothes and upholstery. You can create a solution of water and bleach in a container. Closely follow the package instruction for the amount of bleach to mix per gallon of water.
2. Blot the Stain
In this part of the process, you can use a piece of white cloth. Dip it in the solution, and blot the dye stains on the upholstery. Keep doing so until all the dye has been transferred from the upholstery to the white cloth.
3. Allow it to Air-Dry
Hang the upholstery on a clothesline to allow the solution to air-dry. Keep it away from direct heat and sunlight to avoid any damage to the fabric.
4. Use Rubbing Alcohol
This part of the process is only applicable for leather upholstery. Put a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a clean white cloth. Rub the leather from the edges toward the center. Allow the spot to dry completely and apply a leather conditioner to keep it fresh and soft.
Removing dye stains from fabric can be difficult. However, there are some things you can do to get rid of it. For more serious issues and stubborn stains, you can contact Kelly’s Dry Cleaners for professional help. Our Durango laundry services can get rid of the most stubborn stains and keep your clothes in good condition. Visit our website to learn more about our services and contact us now!
As a laundry care expert with extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in dealing with various laundry issues, including dye transfer stains, I understand the frustration and challenges that come with keeping clothes in pristine condition. Over the years, I have successfully navigated and resolved issues related to dye stains, earning a reputation for providing effective solutions.
The article dated July 28, 2021, titled "Basic Laundry Tips," addresses common concerns about dye transfer stains and provides valuable insights into preventing and treating such stains. Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Dye Transfer Stains:
- Definition: Dye transfer stains occur when colored clothes bleed or transfer dye during the laundry process. Unstable coloring agents in some fabrics, as well as colored paper left in pockets, can contribute to these stains.
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Prevention of Dye Transfer Stains:
- Sorting Clothes: Sorting clothes by color before washing helps prevent dye transfer stains.
- Emptying Pockets: Removing items, such as colored paper, from pockets before washing can prevent additional sources of dye transfer.
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Identifying and Addressing Dye Stains:
- Observing Water Color: If the water color changes during washing, it's an indication of dye transfer. Stop the cycle, identify the source, and remove it to prevent further damage.
- Avoid Drying: It's crucial not to dry stained clothes in the dryer until the stains are successfully removed.
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Removing Dye Transfer Stains From Colored Clothes:
- Materials Needed: Basin, water, oxygen-based bleach, and chlorine bleach.
- Rewashing: Use oxygen-based bleach and detergent for the initial rewash.
- Soaking Stubborn Stains: Soak stained clothes in a solution of oxygen-based bleach and cold water for about 8 hours, repeating if necessary.
- Washing as Recommended: Once stains are removed, wash clothes according to the care label.
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Removing Dye Transfer Stains From White Clothes:
- Process: Similar to colored clothes but use chlorine bleach instead of oxygen-based bleach. Create a solution for rewashing with half a cup of chlorine bleach and water.
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Removing Dye Stains From Upholstery:
- Common Causes: Blue jeans are a common cause of dye stains on upholstery.
- Using Oxygen-Based Bleach: Create a solution of water and oxygen-based bleach to remove stains.
- Blotting the Stain: Use a white cloth to blot the dye stains until transferred to the cloth.
- Air-Drying: Hang the upholstery to air-dry, avoiding direct heat and sunlight.
- Leather Upholstery: For leather, use rubbing alcohol on the stain and apply a leather conditioner after drying.
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Professional Assistance:
- Recommendation: For serious and stubborn stains, the article suggests seeking professional help from services like Kelly’s Dry Cleaners.
By following these comprehensive tips and methods, individuals can effectively manage and mitigate the impact of dye transfer stains on their clothes and upholstery. For more complex issues, professional dry cleaning services are recommended for optimal results.
