How to Fix Color Bleed on a Competition Leotard

Competition leotards are made from synthetic fibers, such as polyester, and used as part of the costume for those who perform or compete in baton, ice skating, gymnastics and more. Color bleed, or dye transfer, occurs when the dye from other fabrics bleeds out of the garment and is absorbed by the leotard. Left unattended, color bleed renders a competition leotard useless and unwearable. Remove the color bleed before the leotard dries to restore it to performance-ready condition.

Sponge
Heavy-duty laundry detergent
Bucket
All-fabric bleach

Instructions

- 1
  Lay the competition leotard with color-bleed stains on a flat surface, with the stains facing up. Make sure the fabric is damp; if not, sponge with warm water to dampen the fabric.
- 2
  
  A sponge allows you to gently scrub a leotard's synthetic fibers.
  
  Pour a quarter-sized amount of heavy-duty laundry detergent onto the damp sponge. Gently rub the detergent into the dye-transfer stains. Allow the detergent to sit on the fabric for 10 minutes to help loosen the stains.
- 3
  Rinse the leotard in warm water to remove the detergent and any loosened color-bleed stain.
- 4
  Combine one-half cup of all-fabric bleach and one gallon of warm water in a bucket. Soak the leotard for 15 minutes or more to lift the remaining dye-transfer stain.
- 5
  
  Use a drying rack to air-dry your leotard.
  
  Launder the leotard as directed, using warm or cool water, not hot. Add detergent and all-fabric bleach to the wash cycle to take out any remaining color-bleed stain. Check the leotard once it finishes washing. If any color-bleed stain remains, repeat these directions to remove it. Hang the leotard to dry away from direct heat or sunlight.

How to Soften Low Thread Sheets

How to Unwrinkle Rayon Fabric

Laundry