How to Remove Dye Transfer Stains from Colored Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric
How to Remove Dye Transfer Stains from Colored Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric
A colored item bled into your wash and dyed other colored clothes. Maybe a red sock turned your blue shirt purple, or a dark towel dyed your yellow shirt brown. Dye transfer on colored clothes is harder to remove than on white clothes because you can’t use chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide. But it can be removed with oxygen bleach and OxiClean. Here’s how to remove dye transfer stains from colored clothes without damage.
A dye transfer stain on colored clothes is caused by loose dye bleeding from one fabric and bonding with another. Removing dye transfer from colored clothes is harder than from white clothes because you can’t use chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide (they strip color). The approach requires oxygen bleach (color-safe) to break down the transferred dye and OxiClean to lift the pigment.
To remove dye transfer from colored clothes, act quickly, wash the dyed items separately, soak in oxygen bleach for 1 to 2 hours, spray with OxiClean and let it sit for 15 minutes, wash with Tide Free and Gentle in warm water, and check before drying. Don’t put dyed clothes in the dryer, don’t use chlorine bleach, and don’t use hydrogen peroxide on colored clothes.
Step-by-Step: Removing Dye Transfer from Colored Clothes
Step 1: Act Quickly
The sooner you treat dye transfer, the easier it is to remove. Don’t let the dyed clothes dry.
Step 2: Wash Separately
Don’t wash the dyed items with other clothes. The dye can transfer again.
Step 3: Soak in Oxygen Bleach
Dissolve 1 scoop of oxygen bleach in warm water. Submerge the dyed clothes. Soak for 1 to 2 hours. Oxygen bleach is color-safe and breaks down the transferred dye.
Step 4: Spray with OxiClean
Spray with OxiClean Max Force Spray. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Apply Dish Soap
Apply Dawn Ultra Dish Soap to the dyed areas. Work it in gently. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Wash in Warm Water
Wash with Tide Free and Gentle in warm water. Add 1 scoop of oxygen bleach and half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda.
Step 7: Add Vinegar to the Rinse
Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse.
Step 8: Check Before Drying
If the dye remains, treat again and re-wash. Don’t put dyed clothes in the dryer.
For Stubborn Dye Transfer on Colored Clothes
Use Shout Foam
Apply Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
Use Amodex
Apply Amodex Ink and Stain Remover. Work it in, let it sit for 10 minutes, and wash.
Use Rubbing Alcohol (Test First)
Apply rubbing alcohol to the dyed area with a cotton ball. Blot. Test on a hidden area first.
Use a Commercial Color Remover
Use a commercial color remover (like Rit Color Remover). Follow package instructions. Test first.
Repeat Treatment
Dye transfer on colored clothes may need 2 to 3 treatments.
Use Lysol for Disinfecting
Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to the rinse.
Clean the Machine Monthly
Use affresh Washing Machine Cleaner monthly.
How to Prevent Dye Transfer
Sort by Color
Wash darks with darks, lights with lights, brights with brights.
Wash New Items Separately
Wash new colored items separately for the first 3 to 4 washes.
Use Cold Water
Cold water reduces dye bleeding.
Test for Colorfastness
Dampen a hidden area and press with a white cloth. If dye transfers, wash separately.
Use Color Catcher Sheets
Use color catcher sheets to absorb loose dye.
What Not to Do
Don’t put dyed clothes in the dryer. Dryer heat sets dye permanently.
Don’t use chlorine bleach on colored clothes. Chlorine bleach strips color. Use oxygen bleach.
Don’t use hydrogen peroxide on colored clothes. It can lighten colors. Use on white clothes only.
Don’t wash dyed items with other clothes. The dye can transfer again.
Don’t let dyed clothes dry before treating. Treat while wet.
Don’t use hot water. Hot water increases dye bleeding. Use warm or cold water.
FAQ
How do you remove dye transfer from colored clothes? Act quickly, wash separately, soak in oxygen bleach for 1 to 2 hours, spray with OxiClean for 15 minutes, wash with Tide Free and Gentle in warm water, and check before drying. Repeat if needed.
Does oxygen bleach remove dye transfer from colored clothes? Yes. Oxygen bleach is color-safe and breaks down transferred dye. Dissolve 1 scoop in warm water, soak for 1 to 2 hours, and wash.
Can you use chlorine bleach on colored clothes with dye transfer? No. Chlorine bleach strips color from colored clothes. Use oxygen bleach only.
Can you use hydrogen peroxide on colored clothes? No. Hydrogen peroxide can lighten colors. Use on white clothes only.
Can you put dye-transferred colored clothes in the dryer? No. Dryer heat sets dye permanently. Air dry and check first.
References
- Tide. “How to Remove Dye Transfer from Colored Clothes.” tide.com.
- The Spruce. “Dye Stain Removal Guide.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Dye Transfer Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- Rit. “Color Remover Guide.” ritdye.com.
