Yes, the water should be clear. Sewingitalltogether has the right idea with the hot water and Dawn. See this for more info and detailed instructions:
https://www.colorwaysbyvicki.com/upl...edingquilt.pdf
I personally think washing in a washing machine with color catchers is wasteful and fruitless. These modern washing machines simply do not use enough water. And vinegar doesn't work with the synthetic dyes they use nowadays. Your best bet is to do what hand-dyers do and soak in hot water, per the instruction sheet attached above.
Good luck!