Getting Red Dye Out of Clothing

[DebbyAnn]

You can also wash clothes in 1/2 cup vinegar
along with detergent for first wash to set colors.
I've heard some folks say they use 1/2 cup salt too.
Debby

[CJ Parson]

I actually got this tip off this site under the subject "Getting Pink out of a Black and White Sweater" and it worked like a charm. I accidentally threw my sons white shirt with a red collar in with the regular white load with bleach. The color from the collar bled all over the shirt. I was sooo mad!   It was not a cheap shirt. So I let the shirt soak in a plastic tub with some cold water and some dishwashing detergent. (cascade, electrosol, etc.) I left it for about a day and the shirt came out perfectly white. And the best part is, it didnt fade the red collar at all like dye removers can. I highly recommend this and would like to give a big thanks to the wonderful person who first posted this suggestion. You saved me.

[trudyu]

I haven't tried this but... I've seen those cloths that are sold in the stores that are supposed to take unwanted color out of laundry. I think you throw them in with each load to start with. It would seem that it would work as long as the clothes remain wet. I'm thinking of getting a couple when I see them on sale for just such a disaster.

[Rimatash]

Bleeding of Colors:    First off, DON'T DRY THEM! Wash again with regular detergent and color-safe bleach. If that didn't work, the makers of clothes dye, makes a color remover that works wonders and doesn't cost much.   Also added by the author was that she uses that oxygen cleaner to prevent the bleeding in the first place; apparently 1 scoop/load and with every wash.

[Kathleen]

Just a word of warning -- the color removers REALLY remove the color from clothing. I turned a whole load of good clothes light blue after washing them with a navy sweater.  I soaked them, rewashed them, and finally used the color remover. The problem was the color remover removed all the color from EVERYTHING and now the clothes are all a dusky gray. Sometimes it is best to cut your losses and make do. I imagine lots of men and boys are wearing light pink undies -- I know the guys around here are!  

[ruth aldridge]

Rit Dye Company has a product for getting colors out before you dye.  This might work.  Good luck

[katie_kary]

I recently washed my husbands favorite shirts with a red cotton sweater.  Needless to say everything has turned pink and red.  I haven't dried these clothes yet, they are still soaking in plain water in my washer.  I really need to know how to get the red dye out of these clothes or I might be on my way to divorce court.  Can anyone help me