We’ve all been there. You toss your brand-new red shirt into the washer, feeling proud of your latest wardrobe addition, only to pull it out and realize your white socks have turned a lovely shade of pink. Congratulations! You’ve just learned the hard way about how to prevent colour run in new clothes (or rather, how NOT to).
I used to be a victim of color bleeding until one fateful day when my favorite light blue hoodie turned a depressing shade of greyish-purple. That was my breaking point. I embarked on a mission to learn how to stop clothes from bleeding color in the washing machine, and after some trial and error (and a few ruined towels), I finally cracked the code.
If you want to avoid the heartbreak of unintentional tie-dye, read on. These 10 laundry hacks will keep your colors crisp and your whites sparkling!
Wash New Clothes Separately (At Least for the First Few Washes!)
New clothes, especially dark and vibrant ones, are notorious for color bleeding. Always wash them separately for the first few washes to prevent dye transfer.
If you can’t wash them alone, try placing them with similar colors to minimize damage. Trust me, your pastel pink dress doesn’t want to make friends with your new dark jeans.
Use Cold Water, Your Colors Will Thank You
Hot water can break down the dye in fabrics, encouraging them to release color like a poorly kept secret. Washing clothes in cold water helps lock in the dye, preventing color run.
Think of it this way: hot water is like a party where everyone is dancing wildly and spilling drinks, while cold water is a cozy coffee shop where everyone behaves.
Add a Cup of Vinegar or Salt to Set the Color
How do you set the color of fabric with vinegar and salt? It’s surprisingly easy!
1. Vinegar method
Add ½ to 1 cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle (not the detergent compartment) the first time you wash a new garment.
2. Salt method
Soak new clothes in a mixture of ½ cup salt and a gallon of water for 30 minutes before washing.
This helps lock in the dye, making your clothes less likely to bleed in future washes. Science for the win!
Turn Clothes Inside Out Before Washing
It might seem simple, but turning your clothes inside out before washing protects the outer layer from fading and prevents unnecessary friction, which can loosen the dye.
It’s like giving your clothes a little armor before they face the washing machine battlefield.
Don’t Overload the Washing Machine
Stuffing the washer full of clothes may seem efficient, but it increases the chances of color bleeding because there’s less room for water to dilute loose dyes.
Give your clothes some space, they need it just as much as you do.
Products Recommendation
1. Budget Pick: Shout Color Catcher Sheets, ~$5
Shout Color Catcher Sheets can be your new best friend if you don’t want to play laundry roulette. These handy sheets absorb loose dye in the water, preventing colors from transferring onto other fabrics.
- Traps Loose Dyes: Prevents color bleeding by absorbing dyes in the wash, keeping clothes vibrant.
- Works in All Washers: Standard and high-efficiency (HE) machines are safe, with no extra detergent needed.
- Easy to Use: Toss a sheet into the wash to protect mixed-color loads without extra sorting.
- Value Pack: Includes 5 packs of 24 sheets each, providing long-lasting laundry protection.
They are tiny laundry superheroes, diving into the chaos to save your whites from disaster.
2. Regular Pick: Woolite Darks Liquid Laundry Detergent, ~$10–$12
Not all detergents are created equal! Some are too harsh and strip color from your fabrics. If you frequently wash darks, try Woolite Darks Liquid Laundry Detergent, which is designed to preserve fabric color.
- Prevents Fading & Wear: Keeps dark clothes looking new by reducing fading, fuzzing, and pilling for up to 20 washes.
- Gentle Yet Effective: Cleans thoroughly, adding a light, fresh scent without harsh chemicals.
- Cold Water Compatible: Works efficiently in HE and regular machines, even in cold water.
- Safe & Chemical-Free: Free from optical brighteners, phosphates, and bleach, making it gentle on fabrics.
It’s like sunscreen for your clothes; it keeps them from fading too fast.
3. Premium Pick: Seventh Generation Concentrated Detergent (bulk pack), ~$20–$25
Seventh Generation Concentrated Detergent is an excellent pick if you prefer an environmentally friendly option. It’s gentle on clothes while still being tough on dirt. Plus, it’s a bulk pack, so you’re saving money and the planet.
- Ultra-Concentrated & Compact: 66 loads in a 23-oz bottle, saving space while delivering powerful cleaning.
- Easy Dose Technology: Auto-measures the perfect amount with a simple flip and squeeze, no guesswork needed.
- Eco-Friendly Design: Uses 60% less plastic, 50% less water, and is 75% lighter than traditional bottles.
- Powerful & Gentle: Advanced enzyme formula fights tough stains with 0% dyes, fragrances, or artificial brighteners.
Your wardrobe (and Mother Earth) will thank you.
Avoid the Dryer, Air Dry Instead!
High heat can break down fabric fibers and cause colors to fade. Air drying your clothes instead of tossing them into the dryer helps preserve color intensity.
You’ll save on electricity, and your clothes will last longer. Win-win!
What If the Damage Is Done? Fixing Color-Bleeding Clothes
Oops, too late? If you’ve already turned your white shirt into a pastel nightmare, don’t panic! Try these quick fixes:
- Rewash immediately with a color-catcher sheet.
- Soak in oxygen-based bleach (like OxiClean) mixed with cold water for 3–4 hours before rewashing.
- Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda and water into a paste and gently rub it on affected areas before washing.
While it may not completely restore your clothes, it can at least minimize the damage.
How to stop clothes from bleeding color in the washing machine
1. Sort Your Laundry Smartly
Always separate darks, lights, and bright colors. Mixing them is a surefire way to cause color bleeding. This is the first step if you’re wondering how to stop clothes from bleeding color in the washing machine.
2. Use Cold Water and Gentle Detergent
Hot water opens fabric fibers, making them release dye. Washing in cold water with a mild detergent helps lock in color and prevents fading. This is a simple yet effective method to stop clothes from bleeding color in the washing machine.
3. Try a Vinegar or Salt Soak
Before the first wash, soak new clothes in water and white vinegar or salt. This helps set the dye and reduces bleeding risks.
4. Use a Color Catcher
These handy sheets absorb excess dye in the water, preventing it from transferring to other clothes. An incredible hack when learning how to stop clothes from bleeding color in the washing machine.
5. Air Dry Instead of Using High Heat
The dryer can cause colors to fade faster. Hang-drying keeps colors vibrant and prevents further bleeding.
Final Thoughts: From Color Catastrophes to Laundry Success!
After years of laundry mishaps, I can proudly say I no longer fear how to stop clothes from bleeding color in the washing machine. Thanks to a few easy tricks, like washing in cold water, using vinegar and salt, and investing in a good detergent and color catcher sheets, my wardrobe has been saved from countless disasters.
So next time you do laundry, take a few extra steps to protect your clothes because no one deserves to lose a perfect outfit to color bleeding!
What’s your worst laundry disaster? Share your story in the comments!
