I am trying to wash red polyester fabric with white letters on it but I don't want the red to run and turn the letters pink. How can I stop this from happening? I don't have a lot of money so any household items would be great.
I made a flag quilt for my son and it had a lot of reds, blues, yellows, and white in it. I knew it had to be washed and I washed it in cold water with a lot of table salt in it, close to half a box. It came out good, but when some one else washed it, they did not put any thing in to stop the colors and it ruined the quilt. Hope this works for you.
If you do have something fade during the wash I've found that regular 75% or 90% isopropyl alcohol will take almost all of the fade out without bothering the surrounding colors. Put the garment in a large bowl or bucket (garment can be wet or dry, but try to catch it before it goes thru the dryer)and pour the alcohol over it. Work it thru the garment (like you are hand washing it). If the stain is persistent let the garment soak overnight. If the alcohol evaporates, just add more. It will NOT bleach the garment, make it fall apart, etc. I used this technique on a green/white silk blouse (which ended up pink) and it worked like a charm! It will work on any stain that is "synthetic" e.g. ink, dye, etc. If it's protein based (blood, grass, etc) use hydrogen peroxide...but beware! Strong H2O2 will bleach (thus peroxide blondes).
Shout makes a product that are like dryer sheets you can get at the grocery. http://www.shoutitout.com/preserve-colors.aspx I have no stock, interest whatever in this product, I just know it works. Wendy; MN
I have a follow-up question. To prevent clothes from bleeding using either vineagar, salt or both, do you mean each time you wash them you have to do that, or just the first time you wash them?
My Grandmother taught me to use vinegar and salt. I use about 4 parts vinegar to 2 parts salt. Dissolve it into your washing water first or hot water first, before adding clothes. This works every time.
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Request: Preventing Color From Bleeding on Clothing
Archived on 04/17/2007
I bought my new grandson an outfit that is white and red cotton. We washed as instructed and the red faded on the white. I returned it and thought I would try again. Can you please tell us what to do to keep the red from fading on this cute little "flyer radio" outfit.
Do we soak it in some type of solution before we wash it to keep the red from running? Please help.
Debra from Bryce, Louisiana
Answers:
RE: Preventing Color From Bleeding on Clothing
Try soaking it in cold water and salt. I did that with several red and white blankets, and the salt seems to set it. (I just used table salt.) Good luck! (02/07/2006)
There is a product you can buy to prevent colors from running in the wash. I'm sorry I don't remember the name of it right now, but its a common one. Look in the detergent aisle of your grocery or discount store. (02/07/2006)
By Carol
RE: Preventing Color From Bleeding on Clothing
I have always been told to soak it in a solution of vinegar and water to fix the color. (02/08/2006)
By Claudia-MD.
RE: Preventing Color From Bleeding on Clothing
If it happens on the second outfit, I'd be afraid that the company did not set the colors properly and that the fabrics would keep bleeding. I use Dye Grabber by Carbona when I mix my lights and darks to save water/electricity/time. You can find it in the laundry aisle as Carol suggested. (02/08/2006)
I wash all new colorful clothing in table salt. I set the washer level on low, use cold water and add probably half a container (grocery store size) of salt. Wash normally and then wash with detergent. It may be a manufacturer problem but this always works for me. (02/22/2006)
By Ann4
Dye Grabber
Can you advise me where these can be purchased? I previously bought some from Hancock Fabrics but when I went to re-order these, I was told they do not sell them. I am a quilting teacher and try to advise my students to use the dye grabber when they wash their fabrics before they begin quiting. I appreciate your help. Thank you (01/14/2007)
