Dye transfer during laundry is one laundry accident I try to avoid at all costs because it can be pretty nasty and unpleasant. When it does happen, it’s often because someone forgot to separate the laundry or did not empty their pockets before placing the clothes in the washer, allowing nasty colored papers to slip into the laundry.
Removing dye transfer from clothes can quickly be done at home with handy household ingredients.
How to Remove Dye Transfer Stains From Colored Clothes
You can remove dye transfer stains from clothes using household ingredients; however, to ensure that these ingredients work smoothly, use them when the stain is still fresh. Do not put it off!
Putting dye stained in a dryer or drying out will allow the dye to steeply into the fabric, making stain removal difficult. You can safely and efficiently remove dye stains from clothes using one method listed below;
1. Use Baking soda
Baking soda is a standard household product with amazing cleaning effects; it can also remove dye stains from clothes. Below are the step-to-step instructions on how to use this method:
Step 1: Pour 1/3 cup of water into a bowl and six tablespoons of baking soda. Stir the mixture until it becomes a paste.
Step 2: Gently rub the paste on the dye stain. Allow the paste to dry thoroughly. It might take a few hours. Once dried, chip away the paste surface.
Step 3: Toss the cloth into a washing machine with some detergent. Set the machine in warm water. Once the washing is done, check the cloth to ensure the stains are gone. Hang the clothes to air dry.
2. Use White Vinegar
White vinegar is a natural remedy for removing adamant stains, thanks to its acidic properties. Below are the step-to-step instructions on how to use this method:
Step 1: Fill a washbasin with water. You will need a basin that can contain the stained clothes. Measure one cup of distilled white vinegar and pour it into the basin of water
Step 2: Soak the stained clothes in the basin. Allow the cloth to sit for at least an hour.
Step 3 Once the stain is gone, transfer the cloth to a washing machine for a proper wash. Use a cool water cycle and your regular detergent.
3. Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is known for its effectiveness in stain removal; it is the active ingredient in oxygen bleach. Below are the step-to-step instructions on how to use this method;
Step 1: Given that Hydrogen Peroxide is strong, test the solution with cotton wool and clean cloth on a hidden part of the cloth. It is safe to use if it doesn’t need bleach and fade.
Step 2: Spread out the stained area on a clean paper towel.
Step 3: Dip your cotton ball or clean cloth into the solution and apply it to the stain.
Step 4: Gently blot the stain until the stain appears. Toss the cloth into the washer for a proper wash.
4. Use Non-chlorine bleach
Non-chlorine bleach, as the name implies, is a bleach without chlorine as its active ingredient. The absence of chlorine makes this bleach color safe. Below are the step-to-step instructions on how to use this method;
Step 1: Test the solution with cotton wool and clean cloth on a hidden part of the cloth. It is safe to use if it doesn’t need bleach and fade.
Step 2: Fill a washbasin with water. You will need a basin that can contain the stained clothes.
Step 3: Add 1/4 cup of non-chlorine bleach to the water and stir. Soak the cloth in the mixture and leave for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Remove the clothes and inspect the stain. If the stain remains, soak the clothes for another 30 minutes. Toss the clothes into your washing machine for a proper wash.
How To Remove Dye Transfer Stains From Colored Clothes Without Washing
Dye transfer stains happen unexpectedly and may cause discomfort. If your cloth is stained and you can’t wash it, here are some methods you can use to remove stains without washing below:
1. Use White Vinegar
As mentioned above, white vinegar is a natural remedy for removing stains. It can remove the stains without washing the whole garment. Of course, the stain would have to be spot and not all around the cloth.
Below are the step-to-step instructions on how to use this method;
Step 1: Get a clean bowl and measure two cups of warm water, one cup of distilled white vinegar, and one tablespoon of dish soap into the bowl and stir until everything blends thoroughly.
Step 2: Get a clean cloth and soak a corner into the mixture. Using the cloth, gently apply the mixture to the stain. Don’t scrub, but rap at it.
Step 3: Continue until you see the cloth absorbing the stain. Change corners and repeat. Continue until all stain disappears. Once the stains disappear, you are ready.
2. Use Rubbing alcohol
Alcohol is an excellent product for dealing with all kinds of stains, including dye stains. It is a natural stain remover and is also gentle on fabrics.
Below are the step-to-step instructions on how to use this method:
Step 1: Slide any thick paper or board between the shirt parts. Soak a cotton ball or the corner of a clean cloth into the alcohol.
Step 2: Blot the dye stain with the alcohol. Once the cotton ball changes color, discard it for another. With the clean cloth, change to another corner.
Step 3: Once most of the stain is gone, turn the cloth inside out and repeat the blotting. Once the stain is gone, you can air dry it.