I've been throwing them away after a single use even if there was no change. Thanks for the info on re-using. Will try it.

I have always thrown them after one use.

Thanks for your responses. My box (the wash cloth kind) said it could be used several times, but I threw the
box away that says how many & didn't keep track of how many times I had used it.
Using it once too many times would be a disaster!

I use mine until it's really dark.

Okay, here is what I did. I have an HE machine. I took a delicates washing bag (about 15 inches by 18 inches with a zipper). I put three color catchers in it laying them flat, side to side. Then I sewed 2 long lines leaving about 4 inches in the middle. When I am washing new fabric, I slip 2 new color catchers (one on each side of the three) and reuse this until the newest ones become dark. I can usually get 3-4 washes out and the catches don't wad up and become tiny little balls in the machine. And yes, the original ones are very dark but it doesn't hurt them and they keep the bag relatively flat when washing. I have just completed my 3rd batik quilt so you know I am getting some bleed but I have also found that if I wash in cold water and make sure those instructions are on the labels of the completed quilts, I have had no bleeding on the lighter/white borders. These fabrics have been from Batik Plus, Jo Anns, and Hobby Lobby!!!!

I have the wash cloth kind too. I believe it's good for 30 washes. I use a lot of strongly colored fabrics so I've used mine over and over - its currently a nasty greyish brown. But still seems to be working just fine.

Thanks for the info. I was using the ones that look like an extra thick drier sheet and just using them once. Even talked my hubby into using them on his work clothes. Will try using more than once.

ditto for me also.

color sheets
 

I even use softener sheets over for several loads and they work fine for me. Sometimes if it has been used twice in a large load I just throw an extra in and sometimes use all those 3 for another small dryer load. Color Catchers I throw out when they get a dark color also but sometimes sooner depending if it holding a lot of color or if I think it is going to bleed a lot...I've been wrong at times and not color came out at all. Tough decision on both of these. Trying is the best way to find out. Never ever give a scrap quilt without a couple of color catchers as I have had some bleeding on scrap quilts even after I've washed them. Better safe than sorry.

Jan, there are two kinds of color catchers. One is meant only to be used once and thrown away. There' s another one that is "cottony" looking and lasts about 30 uses.