Ever notice how some shirts come from the wash a bit less vibrant? This is because of colour bleeding. When manufacturers use cheap dyes and ineffectively set said dyes into their fabrics, water can cause the colours to run.

Conversely, some clothing companies dye in excess to create bolder, brighter fabrics. In such cases, the extra dye often rinses off after the first wash.

Is It Easy to Tell When Clothes Will Bleed?

Based on the quality of the fabric, you can sometimes surmise the quality. Most manufacturers would not waste good dye on bad fabric. Peek at the label to see which materials comprise the fabric. For example, synthetic fibres tend to retain colours best (i.e. polyester and nylon). Always check for manufacturer warnings, too.

Ways to Prevent Colour Bleeding in the Wash

1. Separate Your Clothing

Especially for new clothes, you should separate colours and whites. You might want to even separate based on stricter criteria. For instance, grouping blues and greens and then reds and oranges together.

Separating laundry contributes to energy and water waste, so you might prefer turning your clothes inside out. Doing so contains the bleeding and can protect other clothes from absorbing the runoff.

2. Wash with Cold Water

Washing with cold water is perhaps the most effective strategy. That said, cold water should only be used on outer garments. Things like towels, sheets, and other delicates need hot water to kill bacteria.

3. Throw in a Dye Catcher

Dye catchers are magnetic sheets that absorb runoff dye. Unfortunately, these do introduce other chemicals into your wash. Check the ingredients to ensure they do not contain allergens and other irritants.

4. Use a Pinch of Salt

Some swear by using salt to preserve colours and prevent bleeding. With your next load, maybe try tossing in a tablespoon of salt.

Unfortunately, there is much controversy over salt’s efficacy. Many people believe this home remedy to be silly. Not to mention, salt is abrasive and can cause damage. If you’re uncertain about it, you can always seek dye fixatives. These work like dye catchers, only they set and not absorb colours.