How to Get Dye Out of Colored Clothes Transferred in the Washing Machine

Washing your laundry should not be difficult but there is a lot more to it than you might think. Simply tossing everything into the washing machine together can result in your orange shirt coming out with blue stains from denim jeans. These stains, known as dye transfer stains, occur when fabric dye from one garment transfers to another garment, leaving stains or discoloration. By separating clothing prior to laundering, you can prevent dye transfer stains. If these stains have already formed on your colored clothing, you can remove them using supplies found around the home.

3 tablespoons white vinegar
Heavy-duty laundry detergent
Dishpan
Clean cloths
All-fabric bleach

Instructions

- 1
  Pour 3 tablespoons of white distilled vinegar into a dishpan or bucket. Add 2 tablespoons of heavy-duty laundry detergent and 1 quart of warm water to the vinegar.
- 2
  Place the garment with dye transfer stains in the vinegar and detergent solution. Rub the stains with the solution. Allow the clothing to soak for 10 minutes in the solution.
- 3
  Remove the garment from the solution. Wring it out to remove as much liquid as possible.
- 4
  Lay the garment on a flat surface with the stained areas facing up. Blot the dye transfer stains with a dry cloth.
- 5
  Treat remaining dye transfer stains by soaking the garment in a solution made from 1/2 cup all-fabric bleach and 1 gallon of warm water. Soak the garment for 30 minutes.
- 6
  Wash your garment in the washing machine using heavy-duty laundry detergent and all-fabric bleach. Before you dry the garment, check to ensure the stains have been removed. Repeat these steps, as needed, to remove any remaining dye transfer stains.

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