Color Run
 

Hi, Everyone,
I recently used a little bit of Oxy-Clean on a quilt to remove quilting marks. Even though I had washed all fabrics previously, one of the colors ran onto my white squares. Does anyone have any tips as to how to get rid of the color run?

What I always recommend is washing in Synthrapol in *lots* of hot water. If you don't have a top-loading washing machine at home, take the quilt to a laundromat and use their largest front-loader. Synthrapol suspends unset dye particles in water so they can be rinsed away, but you need a lot of water to dilute the dye. Depending on how much dye is released into the water, you may need to wash more than once with Synthrapol. Do not let damp fabrics lie against each other (dye can transfer via "crocking" as well); toss quilt immediately into dryer. Google Synthrapol for more information, or check old threads on this board.

I agree ! this is the best method.

oh my ,wish I knew what to tell you to do

I will also add that I have never seen synthrapol in a retail setting. I have only seen it on line. That is not to say that some LQS might not carry it but places like walmart or your grocery store most definitely do NOT have it. Dharma is where I always get it. http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/2127-AA.shtml

I get mine from Dharma too and have for almost 15 years. Although my LQS carries it - the price is prohibitive there.

As you discovered, pre-washing does not necessarily stabilize the dye on its own. You need to check as you wash, and not just as a visual check of the water. Dr. Beckmann's and Dirt Collectors has become my Quality Check. And if not, then treat with Retayne ... until I feel that all is safe and still!

Dr. Beckmann's also has a product called Colour Run Repair which says it "restores dyte stained clothes. I have never used them, but being happy with their other product, I'd give it a try.

As a further FYI ... there have been fabrics and colours that I never would have thought that were bleeders. Further, in checking the water, it looked clear. However, I was *shocked* when I looked at the Dr. B sheet to see all the colour on it. Some stopped with the first hot water wash. Some with the first Retayne treatment. And some have taken more than one!

For those that feel "safe" with no washing or one pre-washing ... I challenge you to start using Dr. Beckmann's, Shout Colour Catchers, or whatever equivalent products you can acces.. I'm sure you'll get some surprises, as I did!

You should buy Shout color catchers. I had a similar experience. My husband's favorite wallhanging with his Eagle was very dusty. I always prewash all my fabric before I sew. Put it in the bathtub in cold water and couldn't believe that the red ran into the white and was pink. Didn't dry it but a few months later put it in the washer in cold water with a sheet and it all came out!! Good luck with yours.

Now I soak my fabrics in hot water for at least 20 minutes before washing them. And agitate the fabric by hand every so often.

If the water turns color, it gets another soak.

My kitchen is quite the sight when I bring home a bunch of new fabrics. Every kettle, large bowl, and the sink has fabric soaking in it.

I only put like colors in one container - so if there is a stinker, it won't cause any damage to the other pieces.

I guess another reason to prewash and maybe 2's on dark fabrics.