When a colour has run in the wash

Short answer: If a colour has run onto light clothing, it must be rewashed straight away. Dried dye sets in and is much harder to get out.

Rewash straight away

As long as the dye is wet, it can be rinsed out. Soak the clothes and wash them again.

Do not dry it

A tumble dryer or warm air fixes the dye. Always check before drying.

Why it happens

New coloured clothes give off surplus dye in the first few washes. See why new coloured clothes run in the wash.

Sorting

Sort by colour and wash new items separately. See sorting the laundry.

Temperature

A lower temperature gives off less dye. 30 degrees is enough for lightly soiled clothes.

See the range

See the basics in bamboo t-shirts for men.

Washing

The rest of the rules are in the washing guide.

Bedding and towels

New bedding and new towels give off the most dye, because there is a lot of fabric. Wash them separately the first couple of times. See bamboo bedding.

Frequently asked questions

Can dye transfer be removed?

Often yes, if the clothes are rewashed while the dye is still wet.

What makes it permanent?

Heat. The tumble dryer fixes the dye.

How do I avoid it?

Wash new coloured clothes separately the first couple of times.