Prevent Fabric Bleeding (1415)

Is there a home method you can use to set dye in fabrics or garments? The answer is no. Properly applied dyes should not bleed when worn or laundered. Excessive dye bleeding is a manufacturing defect; the technology is available for correct application of the correct dyes to fibers and fabrics. If you have a garment or fabric that was improperly dyed, you should not have to compensate for the manufacturer's negligence.

The best action you can take is to return such items to the retailer where you bought it or to the manufacturer. See the hang tag for that information.

The suggestion to add salt or vinegar to prevent dye bleeding is meaningless. In fact, in some instances the addition of salt will cause dye to come off the fabric. In other instances, it may cause dye to go into the fabric or keep it on the fabric, where it will slough off while it is being worn. When this happens, your garment will discolor skin and undergarments.

The same is true for vinegar. Unless you know what dye type was used and understand its particular dyeing process, you will not know whether to add salt or vinegar.

Even if you knew which to add, it would need to be added to any water contacting the fabric (in both the wash and rinse cycles) in laundering.

Adding salt to the wash cycle can decrease the effectiveness of the detergent you are using and can corrode the washing machine.

To guess whether to use salt or vinegar and then expect it to set dye with one application is a false expectation. Your best course of action is to return the garment to the retailer or manufacturer.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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