Sewnoma

I definitely know some fabrics pick up color more than others. When I was a new quilter and didn't know about color catchers I did a load of fabric and a red fabric bled...but only ONE other fabric in the load picked up the color! I had several light fabrics in that load (tempting fate!) but only a pale blue fabric picked up the red; the other fabrics didn't show any bleed at all. I never did figure out why.

Edie

I bought my color catcher because it said "Works for 24 washes". Check off the little square when you use it. I have used it about 21 times. Three to go. And so far it is still working! Edie

reginalovesfabric

what is washing soda?

silliness

Washing soda is sodium carbonate/baking soda/soda ash that has been heated to a high temperature. Arm and Hammer sells Super Washing Soda in the laundry aisle. Boric acid plus washing soda are common ingredients in homemade laundry detergent.

jaly3162

I, too, use the color catchers more than once. Usually about three times. When the used ones get dark, I will use about three of the used color catchers in the wash. I have never had a problem.

KenmoreGal2

Is this the same ones from the grocery store by Shout? Yours have 24 boxes to check off? Mine don't!! That would be great if we could use it 24 times.

gale

Her color catcher is probably the Carbona one. I had one a long time ago but lost track of how many times I used it so I pitched it. It's more fabric-like than the shout ones.

kweber7

Here's a link for how to make your own. I use felt - just bought some squares from Michael's, for about $1.25 apiece. And I re-use until they get a fair amount of dye on them.

https://www.craftsy.com/blog/2015/09/diy-color-catcher/

carslo

Carbona makes a reusable cloth that I have used when I can find them. They last 30 washes - even has a little check off section on the box. Since I saw that I use my Color Catchers until a dark gray. I throw in a couple of new ones and all the old ones when I wash a quilt. I have not had any trouble yet.

Annaquilts

I cut them in half and use them that way. I generally do not reuse them.