Have you ever got a new shirt and it causes color bleeding? Color bleeding in clothes usually occurs in bright and dark clothes and it’s difficult to handle it. From jeans to red ones, some garments are more prone to “bleeding” dye during the first few washes which causes fading and even dye transfer to other fabrics.
In this guide, we will cover the main causes of the color bleeding issues and at the same time, give you some useful tips to ensure that your wardrobe remains stunning.
Causes of Color Bleeding
Excess Dye in the Fabric
Brand new clothes in darker tones such as red, black, and navy, is typical of fabric dye bleeding due to weak bond with the fabric fibers. It is true that the ‘residue’ dye can only survive in the air for a short period of time until it finds an opportunity to dissolve when water is around, then it can get washed out when the cloth is being washed.
Low-Quality Dyes or Fabrics
The colors of items made from the cheaper paints or fabrics are more likely to bleed. As cost reduction, the producers found some dyes that are half-thorough and let the rest of the fabric’s substance to be washed out or shifted color.
Incorrect Dyeing Techniques
Dyeing is a subtle process that requires proper methods and production in order to ensure the color is well adhered, but sometimes dyeing is improper or done too fast. If the dye is not fixed properly and is ready to be washed out, it will come out little by little while the garments are being washed, so a stain will be caused by the transfer of the dye.
Heat and Water Exposure
Heat by hot water or dryer causes the breaking of dye bonds, which, in turn, makes it easier for the color to flow out. Hot water, which primarily does this, opens up the fibers, so dye overflows and other items can be stained.
Chemical Reactions with Detergents and pH Levels
Certain dyes are very susceptible to high pH especially if harsh chemicals that are in some detergents are present, which may cause them to run. Another reason is that this is the property of cotton or wool that is why they are the most reactive fabrics that respond the most to changes in washing conditions.
Solutions to Prevent Color Bleeding
Nobody likes to see their clothes get damaged through the process of bleeding, but the good news is here! There are basic ways you can use to prevent it! Let’s unlock several effective ways on how to stop color bleeding.
Wash in Cold Water
Cold water enables fabrics to hold on to their color by reducing the dye release to a minimal level. When clothes are being washed, always use cold water. This way, the colors are less likely to bleed, especially for dark or bright items.
Separate Colors
For dark and bright or vivid colors, wash them separately from the whites. This is often the most important step among the initial few washes when the colors are more likely to bleed.
Use Color Capture Sheets
Color capture sheets are intended to capture loose dyes in the wash and therefore, they will not be transferred to other clothes. Just put the sheet in the wash to protect your laundry from fabric dye bleeding.
Add White Vinegar or Salt
Vinegar and salt are natural dye fixes. Including a cup of white vinegar or a half-cup of salt during washing will assist in setting the dye in new clothes. The vinegar and the salt will help in the dye setting and subsequently the bleeding risk will be cut down. Vinegar is adapted with synthetic fabrics while salt is best for natural fibers such as cotton.
Use Gentle or Color-Safe Detergents
By using a mild or color-safe detergent that is formulated to most likely maintain the colors and also to preserve the fabrics, one can avoid such problems. These detergents have lower pH levels and contain fewer harsh chemicals, a factor that reduces color fading and bleeding.
Air Dry When Possible
New clothes that tend to bleed shouldn’t be dried in a dryer because heat can cause the dyes to come out. In fact, the fabric is air-dried which causes less damage and consequently leads to colors staying for longer. Furthermore, the risk of dye transfer from one item to another is reduced.
Test with a Damp Cloth
Firstly, moisten a piece of white fabric and rub the corner of the clothes gently. If color stains the cloth, you should consider washing the item separately or soaking it in a vinegar or salt solution before washing it in order to prevent color loss in laundry. The dye will be set.
Conclusion
Color bleeding is a common issue with new clothes, but with the premium laundry services like Laundry Xpress your wardrobe remains crisp and bright. A bit of added care is enough to protect your clothes’ color, making every wash day trouble-free and guaranteeing that your favorite items remain as colorful as they were the day you got them!
