Hi - I am hoping that someone will have some idea on how to remove dye from some thermal underwear that I bought my husband recently. I bought dark colored ones in black, brown and navy blue and they are bleeding dye after several washes. Is there a way to speed up the process of getting factory dye out of them so that I won't have to wash these separately all the time?
A friend who pieced quilts used to set her bright colors to prevent bleeding in the wash. It has been awhile, but I think she used 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water and soaked them for an hour, prior to first washing of the fabric before she cut and sewed. After that there was normally no dye transfer. Vinegar in the wash and rinse, is also good for keeping dark blue or black jeans from fading.
Try to use cold water washes too and if you have not, switch to a detergent without a bleach additive?
Go to the laundry section of your grocery store and look for those grab sheets (I can't think of the name right now) but they pick up any dye that comes off clothes so nothing will get on anything else. They are really neat. Ask one of the clerks about them. Im sure they can tell you.
you boil the "fabric" if that is exactly what it is. Cut fabric, not clothing. It's not the only method available to set color. The vinegar will set loose dye in fabrics and clothing in cold water.
