Dyes and Color Bleeding
Dyes and Color Bleeding
Dyes and Color Bleeding tests why dyes migrate and how to prevent, test, and manage bleeding, crocking, and fading.
Core rules and concepts
- Bleeding is dye migration in water; crocking is dry or damp transfer by rubbing; fading is light or chemical damage. Each has a different cause and fix.
- Test every color with a white towel and the planned solution. Check cold and warm, and check the back.
- Risk rises with heat, high pH, long dwell, agitation, soft water, and slow drying. Reduce all five.
- Natural dyes and some synthetics (reds especially) are unpredictable; mordants and overdyes add risk.
- Prevent bleeding with cool water, low pH, short dwell, minimal agitation, and fast, controlled drying. Dye stabilizers can help but are not a guarantee.
- If bleeding starts, stop, blot, reduce moisture, and dry quickly; do not spread it.
Worked example
A red-and-cream rug tests pink on a white towel. The cleaner uses cool water, a pH 6 product, low moisture, and a dehumidifier with airflow. The rug is not stacked wet and is checked hourly during drying. The client is told some color movement was possible and it is documented.
Traps
Hot water; over-wetting; slow drying; and assuming a colorfast test on one area covers the whole rug.