How to wash without the colours running
Short answer: New coloured clothes release loose dye in their first washes, and that is entirely normal. Wash new dark items separately, keep whites apart, and act quickly if a mishap happens anyway.
Excess dye rinses out
Dye that has not bonded fully to the fibres comes out with the water the first few times a garment is washed. That is a natural part of the process and not a sign of poor quality. See bamboo towels.
Wash new dark items separately
The first five washes matter most, since that is when most of the loose dye disappears. Wash new dark pieces alone or together with clothes in the same colour, until the water runs clear after a spin.
Cold water releases less dye
At a lower temperature, less dye loosens from the fibres, so new dark clothes should be washed at 30 degrees the first few times. That protects both the colour and the fabric, and you can raise the temperature later once the risk is smaller.
Whites should always be washed apart
Even old, coloured clothes release a small amount of dye with every wash, and white clothes show it most clearly. Keep whites completely apart from coloured laundry, no matter how long the coloured piece has been in use. See bamboo underwear for men.
Use the right amount of detergent
Too much detergent can make it harder to rinse out excess dye fully, because the leftover soap binds to the fibres along with the dye. Follow the dose on the packet instead of adding extra in hopes of a better result.
If it does happen
If you notice a piece has picked up colour, wash it again straight away and never let it dry first. Heat from the tumble dryer sets the dye permanently in the fibres, while a fresh rewash can often save the piece. See bamboo bedding.
Test with a single wash first
If you are unsure about a new coloured piece, let it run through a wash entirely on its own in cold water. If the water looks clear afterwards, the risk of it staining other clothes is small.
Rinse thoroughly
An extra rinse after the main wash removes leftover soap and loose dye that could otherwise stay in the fabric and transfer later. Most machines have a separate rinse function you can add when needed.
Never mix brand-new and older dark clothes
Even if both are dark, brand-new clothes release more dye than clothes that have already been through several washes. Wait until the new piece has had its first five washes before mixing it freely with the rest of the wardrobe. See washing and care.
Frequently asked questions
How long do new clothes release dye?
Usually the first five washes, when most of the loose dye rinses out. After that the piece can normally be washed with the rest of the wardrobe without trouble.
Can a stained piece of clothing be saved?
Often, if you rewash it straight away and do not let it dry first. Heat from the tumble dryer sets the dye and makes the damage permanent.
Should whites always be washed separately?
Yes. Even old, coloured clothes release a little dye with every wash, and whites show the smallest amount most clearly.
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