How to Remove Color Run

Needless to say, you have probably purchased an item of clothing and did not read the care instructions on the label. 

After washing it, the item either turned into a different color altogether or there was a color run throughout the item.  UGH!

One of the ways you can resolve this problem is by rewashing the item using a stronger detergent in hot water.  This process may have to be repeated. 

In addition, bleach may also help to remove the run but you then run the risk of altering the color of the entire garment.   

One recommendation is to purchase a dye color remover.  First, wash the area thoroughly in cold water and then add the color run product.  The cold water will stop the color from running and the dye should reverse the run.    

Unfortunately, if the color run is particularly bad, you may not be able to salvage it. 

Most garments purchased today have a label with care instructions.  One of the ways to avoid color run is to read the label and wash in cold water if stated.  Another way to is to avoid buying multi-colored clothing that may, when washed, cause the color run to begin with.  

Sometimes, however, it is by pure accident that a colored piece of clothing is mixed in with the whites.  To avoid any future mishaps, separate the whites from the coloreds before loading them into the washing machine.  If you utilize a Laundromat, separate the coloreds from the whites using two separate laundry bags. 

Color run happens; use the aforementioned methods to fix the problem.  If they do not work or make it worse, consider it a “wash.”