They are supposed to "catch" stray dye particles so they go out in the rinse water rather than settle back on the material and staining them. I think in a regular wash it also helps the dirt not to land back on the clothes. I know that I used it on a quilt that I washed for the first time and also for some darker fabric that I prewashed and it was amazing, it went in white and came out gray.

Oh, got mine at Joann's.

I love these things! I do use them always on quilts I wash the first time for sure, and then depending on the specific fabric, I might use them the next couple of times just to be sure. I always send one or two with the quilts that I "gift" just to be on the safe side.

Ditto! :-D :-D

Thanks for the info...I'm learning something new everyday around here! :lol:

Vicki, You are right, this is an awesome place to learn. I found out about the dye catchers here. So glad I did. The folks on here have helped me avoid many disasters! ;-)

Check at your local grocery store. They nearly always have them by the fabric softener sheets.