How to Prevent Laundry Colour Bleeding

Don’t let colours run and ruin your favourite clothes. This guide provides the best methods to prevent laundry dye transfer before it occurs.

Colour bleeding can wreck a whole load. It causes bright colours to fade and stains light ones in the same wash. But with a few simple steps, you can stop it.

We’ll show you how to wash coloured clothes properly so the dye stays put and your laundry stays clean.

Why Do Your Clothes Bleed Colour in The Wash? 

Having coloured garments in your closet is your right to express yourself. Especially, if you choose the coloured garments based on your personal colour test, it would be really you. 

Behind that, have you ever considered the risk of washing coloured clothes? Good job, if you are aware of it. 

If you aren't aware, let us inform you that the biggest risk of washing coloured garments or clothes is the potential for bleeding in the wash and leaving a stain on your other clothes. 

Not all types of coloured clothes will leave a stain, or the dye will transfer to other surfaces. Here we tell you the reason why your clothes bleed colour in the wash.

1. Quality and Type of Dyes

Reactive dyes and direct dyes are often not firmly bound to the fabric fibres, so they can easily come off in the wash.

Poorly bonded dyes can cause colour bleeding on other garments in a wash load.

2. Imperfect Dyeing Process

When the fabric undergoes improper dyeing processes, such as the use of inappropriate dyes or incorrect dyeing techniques, it can cause colours to fade easily. 

Another factor is the improper use of mordants or fixers, which could contribute to this problem. 

3. The Effect of pH and Temperature During Washing

A low pH in wash water can increase the likelihood of dye bleeding, especially if it hasn’t fully bonded to the fabric. Warmer water also plays a part. The higher the temperature, the more likely it is for dye to detach and run into other clothes.

This is backed by research from a PhD thesis at the University of Leeds, which looked into how pH and temperature affect dye transfer during washing.

4. Fabric Fibre Type and Condition

If you love using cotton clothes, you need to pay attention. A notable fact is that natural fibres, such as cotton, are more prone to colour bleeding compared to synthetic fibres, like polyester.

This fact is supported by the observation that fabrics not properly washed after the dyeing process may contain residual dyes that are easily washed out.

How can I Prevent Laundry Colour Bleeding onto Other Items of Clothing?

Here are the 10 steps to prevent laundry colour bleeding that ruins your mood. 

Step 1: Separate Clothes by Colour and Fabric Type

Always separate your laundry based on colour. The easiest way is to sort it to find which clothes have dark or coloured items, such as red, black, and other dark colours. And last are the clothes which have a bright colour like white. 

Pro tip: separate your clothes containing white colour to prevent getting colour transfer from other clothes. 

Step 2: Turn Clothes Inside Out when Washing

It might take time to turn your clothes inside out when washing. However, it can be really helpful in preventing colour bleeding. 

You can turn your coloured clothes inside out when washing them in the washing machine. 

Step 3: Pay Attention to Clothing Care Labels

There is an exact label that indicates the clothes prone to colour bleeding in the wash. However, you need to determine if your clothes display these labels.

• Natural fibers
• Denim and dark fibres
• Wash separately
• Cold water
• Pre-Washed or Pre-Shrunk Label
• Avoid bleach
• Do not iron or 

Step 4: Use Colour Catcher Sheets

Once you've separated all the coloured clothes, you can use the colour catcher sheets to separate the dark colours from your clothes. 

These are special sheets that you can add to your laundry load to trap loose dyes and prevent them from bleeding onto other items of clothing.

Step 5: Avoid Overloading the Machine

Make a space in your washing machine. Don't let the washing machine overload with your clothes.

Overloading can prevent clothes from moving freely. It can lead to uneven washing and increased chances of colour bleeding. 

Step 6: Wash at Low Temperatures and Short Times

This is a science-based method you can apply to your washing method. You can use cold water, which indicates a low temperature of the water and short times in your washing machine. 

A study from Fashion and Textiles found that decreasing washing time and water temperature can reduce the level of colour fading in clothes.

The research found that the longer you wash your clothes, the more dye is released, but only up to about 25 minutes.

The longer it takes, the slower the dye release. Regarding the temperature, the most dye came out at 40°C, and it started to decrease as the temperature increased.

So, washing clothes in cooler water or cold water can help keep the colour from fading too quickly.

Don't wash your clothes in warm water, as it may increase colour fading in the clothes. 

Step 7: Use a Gentle Wash Cycle

Use a gentler wash cycle to reduce the movement of clothes, which helps prevent colours from bleeding.

This way, the fabrics experience less friction, and the dye is less likely to come loose and transfer to other clothes.

The gentle wash cycle not only prevents colour bleeding but also protects the clothes from damage. 

Step 8: Use a Safe Laundry Detergent

Washing clothes without using any laundry detergent is like cooking without seasoning. Which safe laundry detergent do you need to use?

You'll be free to use a safe laundry solution.

The best recommendation is to choose a laundry detergent that is free from harsh chemicals, including unnecessary additives such as phosphates, bleach, optical brighteners, dyes, and excessive water. 

You can use Lucent Globe Laundry Sheets, that is safe for the environment and solve your laundry problems, such as cleaning stains on clothes. 

Step 9: Dry Clothes in the Shade

Avoid drying your clothes in direct sunlight.

Sun exposure can sometimes make your coloured clothes fade. Dry your clothes in the shade or use a dryer on a low heat setting to help maintain their colour.

What Fabrics are Most Likely to Bleed colour?

Here are the fabric types most likely to bleed colour:

1. Cotton
2. Denim (Especially Dark Denim)
3. Wool
4. Silk without proper dyeing
5. Rayon (Especially Rayon Viscose)

The fabrics that are safe from colour bleeding are:

1. Polyester
2. Acrylic
3. Nylon
4. Spandex

Can I Use White Vinegar or Salt to Prevent Colour Bleeding? 

You can try, but it’s not a guaranteed fix. White vinegar or salt may help set the dye in some new clothes, especially if they’re hand-dyed or made from natural fibres. This works best before the first wash.

For everyday laundry, though, vinegar and salt don’t do much to stop colours from running. Using cold water and washing similar colours together is a more reliable way to keep your clothes looking fresh.

Can I Fix Clothes After Colours Have Transferred?

You can try, but it depends on how much dye has transferred and how fresh the stain is. If the clothes are still wet, rinse them straight away in cold water. This helps stop more dye from spreading.

For light stains, soaking the clothes in cold water with a splash of white vinegar may help lift some of the dye. You can also gently rub the stained area with a mix of water and baking soda paste. These methods aren’t guaranteed, but they’re worth trying before the dye sets in fully.