# Colors bleeding in the wash.

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colors-bleeding-in-the-wash/353537>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [April 20, 2006, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colors-bleeding-in-the-wash/353537 "2006-04-20T22:32:54Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![kimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f0a364/32.png) [@kimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kimera)\
**Post date:** [April 20, 2006, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colors-bleeding-in-the-wash/353537/1 "2006-04-20T22:32:54Z")

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First, what causes colors to bleed? I never had a problem with this until recently and I am wondering if it is caused by the new fabric softener/bleach/detergent I am using. I’ve washed all these clothes before without a problem.

Secondly, is there anyway to get the dye out? I had something blue bleed onto a pink shirt so I can’t just bleach the thing like I did with my whites.

Thank you for your time.

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**Author:** ![Tracy\_Lord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@Tracy\_Lord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tracy_Lord)\
**Post date:** [May 22, 2006, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colors-bleeding-in-the-wash/353537/2 "2006-05-22T07:34:54Z")

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Bump – I’m having the same problem, and I don’t know what to do! I’m keeping the shirt (red and white argyle, the red bled onto the white) wet, but is there some sort of solution (I’ve heard vinegar?) I can make to get the dye out of the white part and/or help it not to bleed again?