When in a rush to finish your laundry at the laundromat, you might forget to separate a new pair of jeans from the white garments. The dark dye from your new attire could bleed onto your other laundry, leaving the clothes tinted baby blue. Here’s why this happens and how to prevent it.

Why Do Clothes Bleed In the Laundry?

Garments are often overdyed to appear more vibrant on store shelves, and the excess dye can leach out into your water when it gets wet. Manufacturers sometimes use the incorrect dye or forget to use a fixative to bind the color into the fabric.

Many garments also come with a care label that recommends washing them separately — or ideally individually — before your first wear. This is done to remove loose dyes, preventing the clothes from rubbing off against other fabrics. Additional warning tags like “color may fade” and “use cold water” are also indicators that your clothes may bleed.

How to Prevent It

Carefully sort clothes before washing them at the laundromat. Washing your clothes in white, light, and dark loads will minimize color transfers from one garment to another.

Washing vibrant clothes in hot water opens up the fibers and allows dye to transfer from fabrics more easily. To avoid staining, choose the cold water setting on the machine. This will trap dye and prevent color bleeding when the clothes are being washed and rinsed.

A cramped washer welcomes further agitation and wear and tear. Keep the load at or below the wash drum’s capacity to allow garments to move freely and prevent fabrics from being worn down. If the washer is at capacity, turning the clothes inside out before throwing them into the wash also protects them from friction and dye release.

If you’re looking for a laundromat in Lithonia, GA, stop by Evans Mill Laundry. The locally owned and operated laundry facility offers 22 efficient washers, folding tables, and arcade games for the kids. Please don’t bring quarters. You can pay with convenient dollar coins or your credit or debit card. As you’re waiting for your clothes to wash and dry, you can enjoy the facility’s free Wi-Fi and television. For more information about their services, call (770) 484-9974 or visit their website.