Excess Dye versus Bleeding
 

I am soaking some fabric I bought at a yard sale that appeared to have been washed.

One of the browns is still coloring the water after three rinses.

When do you decide a fabric is a bleeder or just afflicted with excess dye?

For the record, my way of dealing with a bleeder is to put it in the wastebasket.

Why not try a Retayne treatment?

You may be pitching fabric needlessly!

Bear--had a red Christmas fabric in a kit that wouldn't stop bleeding after 3-4 soaks--I pitched it!

I have soaked fabrics overnight and that sometimes will stop the bleeding. Or use it for placemats, crocheted rugs etc.

I second the Retayne recommendation. It's inexpensive and easy to use, and it's worked for me every time I've used it.