can you re-use the color catchers?

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05-10-2011, 06:43 AM

#31

PolkaBabe

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Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Iowa City, IA.

Posts: 1,076

I use the Carbona brand dye grabber which has a control dial on the back. It works for up to 30 washloads. I keep a pen handy & mark it off with each use. They are white to begin with, but turn green with use. Of all the fabric that I have washed only one bleed & still can't get it all out of the white part of the print. Will have to use it in a quilt instead of the garment it was meant to be.

05-10-2011, 07:30 AM

#32

catrancher

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Newberg, OR

Posts: 1,911

I have used them more than once. I use a new one if it's very inportant--like insurance on a finished quilt--but if I have a used one, I use it to test for color-fastness on yardage. They still pick up dye if there is fading. I keep washing until there is no fading. Used ones are great for that.

05-10-2011, 07:33 AM

#33

Quilter7x

Super Member

Join Date: Dec 2009

Location: north east

Posts: 8,394

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cherylsea

For what it's worth, I use mine until they are pretty gray. If I'm really worried about the fabric running I will throw in an extra one.

Same here. I have used them several times each. But if a new pair of dark jeans collects a lot of color the first time I use it, I will toss that one.

So glad you are liking them Jacquie! :thumbup:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cris

I have re-used the ones where the fabric didn't do much bleeding. I make sure they don't go in the dryer.

Sometimes mine end up in the dryer and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

05-10-2011, 09:15 AM

#34

phyllvog

Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Winston-Salem

Posts: 99

I have read that you can use a white washcloth. Have wondered if it is the actual "material" rather than chemicals that make them work. If you have something fade in a regular load of clothes, something like men's underwear usually catches the color and other items will be totally unaffected
Phyllis

05-10-2011, 11:53 AM

#35

quiltpd

Super Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: upstate New York

Posts: 1,191

Thanks, I've never thought about reusing them. I'll definitely give that a try.

05-10-2011, 12:24 PM

#36

Bev

Super Member

Join Date: Nov 2006

Location: Florida

Posts: 1,162

I reuse my Color Catchers all the time. There are some on the market that tell you to use them for 30 washes. They're made of a terry material. But I also use the paper type, until it's dark. Never had a problem.

05-10-2011, 12:56 PM

#37

BeckiQuilts

Junior Member

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: McCalla, Alabama

Posts: 143

I get mine in the grocery store. I shop Publix, and they are on the top shelf with the detergents, hand washable soaps, etc.

05-10-2011, 02:42 PM

#38

Marge L.

Senior Member

Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Marengo, Iowa

Posts: 802

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaciqltznok

I just washed a full load of fabrics in a wide array of colors...think it was about 18 one yard cuts....and a 10 yard piece of white on white!

would you believe that color catchers (2) came out white..like nothing was ever near them!

is it possible to use these color catchers again?

just because they look unused, how do you know if the chemical or what ever it is they used on it will work for the next
load?

Yes, you can definitely reuse them. I use mine 3-4 times. Have used them since they 1st came on the market,8-9 yrs. ago. Originally they looked like terry cloths and could be used forever. I had 1 for ea. machine (3 in the bldg.) and they lasted about a yr. I wouldn't think of doing laundry without them.