Using fabric that bled
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 706
Using fabric that bled
I recently purchased a 1990’s vintage piece of red fabric. When I pre-washed it, it turned the color catchers a lovely shade of pink, and several of the other fabrics I pre-washed with it also came out pink. I was able to remove the pink from the other fabrics using Dawn. Using Dawn, I also was able to remove the excess dye from the red fabric and a subsequent washing of my red fabric culprit had the color catcher come up white.
Should I use the red fabric now or further treat it (and, if so, with what)?
Should I use the red fabric now or further treat it (and, if so, with what)?
Last edited by SuzSLO; 03-04-2022 at 04:43 PM.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Greater Peoria, IL -- just moved!
Posts: 6,183
Once it comes clean, it is good to go without further treatment.
I love basic Dawn detergent. Along with WD40 and duct tape, I think you can survive just about anything. I'm also a fan of heat treating running dyes -- thoroughly wet and soak, put in a safe for microwave pyrex type bowl, cover with plastic wrap and nuke it. Or you can boil on top of the stove.
I had one really bad experience with a Maroon fabric that completely ruined a quilt. I had prewashed it without a color catcher and thought I was good to go. That piece never stopped bleeding.
The darker fabric is a remnant of what ruined the quilt and has been washed at least twice. The other is from the same line/it started the same color -- I used the blue in the quilt with no problems and has been treated and washed at least 7 times and still runs like a thief in the night...
I love basic Dawn detergent. Along with WD40 and duct tape, I think you can survive just about anything. I'm also a fan of heat treating running dyes -- thoroughly wet and soak, put in a safe for microwave pyrex type bowl, cover with plastic wrap and nuke it. Or you can boil on top of the stove.
I had one really bad experience with a Maroon fabric that completely ruined a quilt. I had prewashed it without a color catcher and thought I was good to go. That piece never stopped bleeding.
The darker fabric is a remnant of what ruined the quilt and has been washed at least twice. The other is from the same line/it started the same color -- I used the blue in the quilt with no problems and has been treated and washed at least 7 times and still runs like a thief in the night...
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,666
There is a difference between excess dye in a piece - once that has been removed, the piece is "safe" to use.
My criteria for that is: after soaking it in hot water with a bit if Dawn detergent for at least two hours, will it " rinse clear" -
If a fabric is a bleeder, I will attempt to return it if it is recent purchase. Otherwise it goes in the wastebasket. I wi not use or donate a known bleeder. A bleeder never rinses clear.
My criteria for that is: after soaking it in hot water with a bit if Dawn detergent for at least two hours, will it " rinse clear" -
If a fabric is a bleeder, I will attempt to return it if it is recent purchase. Otherwise it goes in the wastebasket. I wi not use or donate a known bleeder. A bleeder never rinses clear.
#10
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,585
Test it. Get a white cotton kitchen towel damp, rub it on the red fabric for a good half-minute or minute. Get the red fabric nice and damp, give it every opportunity to bleed. If your white cotton kitchen towel stays white, you're good.