Ever accidentally tossed a red shirt in with a load of white clothes? If so, you may have found your load of whites distinctly pink after that wash. This kind of accidental colour-run can be fixed with the right steps and we’ll teach you how to get whites white again.
Here’s a handy article on how to remove colour-bleeding from white clothes. We’ll also share tips on treating other kinds of pink stains on clothes, such as lipstick or rouge. Just make sure to remove the stains as quickly as possible.
Don’t panic if a red sock has found its way into your white washing! Bleach is your ‘accidently dyed’ white shirt’s new best friend! Add non-chlorine bleach to your wash with your normal detergent (we like Persil), to help return your white clothes to dazzling white.
How to remove pink from white clothes: accidental colour-bleeding
If your load of whites is now pink, it’s important to follow these steps to learn how to remove colour runs from white clothes. Do this before you tumble-dry any of your load, as heat will only further set the colour-bleeding.[1]
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Remove the non-colourfast item, and pick out the garments that need to be fixed. This should be easy enough to do. Compare the load to another white cloth, to determine which clothes have been affected by the colour-bleed.
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Re-wash the stained garments in the washing machine with one cup of non-chlorine bleach, in addition to the standard detergent dosage. When handling bleach make sure that you wear protective gloves and follow all guidelines listed on the product. Run a full cycle with as much agitation as possible. You can also use one cup of white distilled vinegar instead of the bleach.
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If the colour-bleed remains, repeat Step 2.
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If the stain is still there, soak the stained garments for eight hours in a solution of oxygen-based bleach and cool water.
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If the stain persists, repeat Step 3 and launder again in a washing machine.
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Do not tumble-dry any garments until the colour bleed has been removed.
Remember to check your garment care tags first, as some fabrics may be damaged by excessive soaking. Oxygen-based or non-chlorine bleach is much safer and less harsh than chlorine bleach for laundry-related tasks. However, using it too much can also damage certain fabrics.
Quick Tip: Check out our guide on using oxygen bleach powder to understand how this product can do wonders to your laundry.
How to make pink clothes white again without bleach
If you prefer using natural products, we’ll teach you how to whiten clothes with vinegar, baking soda and lemon. The acetic acid in vinegar is effective in breaking down particles and loosening dirt.[2] Meanwhile, baking soda has been tested to have whitening properties, effectively lightening the pink stain on your white clothes.[3] If you’re ready to learn how to make pink clothes white again without bleach, follow the steps below:
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In a basin, pour about a gallon of hot water.
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Add three cups of baking soda and three cups of white vinegar.
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To weaken the sour smell, add two tablespoons of lemon juice.
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Stir the solution until the ingredients have completely dissolved.
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Soak your white clothes in the solution for about an hour. For more serious pink stains, let the garments stay longer in the solution.
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Wash your white clothes as usual with mild detergent.
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Let them dry under the sun.
How to get pink stains out of clothes: make-up and other direct stains
Colour-bleeding is one thing, but if you’ve accidentally lipsticked your sleeve, that’s a different kind of stain. Thankfully, removing direct pink stains on clothes is a much faster process than treating colour-bled garments. Here are some handy suggestions.
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Using a white cloth or tissue, first blot away as much of the stain as you can, before treating the fabric.
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Makeup stains respond well to alcohol-based solvents. Try applying rubbing alcohol or hand sanitiser to the back of the stain, and blot away with a cotton ball until the stain is gone. Or you can spray on hairspray and blot away the pink stains. Remember to always test any products on a small area of the garment first. Better yet, read our article on how to get lipstick out of clothes to get practical cleaning tips.
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Berry stains do not require an alcohol-based solvent, so learning how to remove fruit stains on clothes doesn’t require complicated materials. Often, you just need to pour very hot (just-boiled water) directly onto the stain in a rapid stream. Take care when handling hot water to avoid injury. Adding some dishwashing detergent may help.
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Commercial stain removers can also be very effective. Just follow the directions on the label, and test the product in a small area first.
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Another approach is to wet the stained area and rub in a small amount of dishwashing detergent, using a towel and a circular motion. After enough rubbing, the stain should be gone.
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If a faint stain still remains, cut a lemon in half, rub the juice into the stain, and let the white fabric sit in direct sunlight. This is another effective way of removing stains from white clothing.
When to hire professionals to fix colour run on white clothes?
The methods we shared above should help you fix the colour run on white clothes. However, if the problem happens on a garment that should be dry cleaned only, don’t be a hero and learn how to remove dye transfer stains from coloured clothes. As soon as you discover the issue, bring the affected clothing item to a dry cleaner to causing further damage. Professionals should have the tools and expertise to remove colour bleeding on dry-clean-only fabrics.
How to prevent pink stains?
Preventing pink stains requires a few proactive measures. Here are some tips you can follow so you won’t have to learn how to remove dye transfer stains from coloured clothes:
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Firstly, sort your laundry properly by separating whites from coloured items to prevent dye transfer. When washing coloured garments for the first time, it's a good idea to wash them separately or with like colours to minimise the risk of bleeding.
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Another step you should add to your laundry routine is performing a colourfast test if you think a piece of clothing might cause dye transfer. All you need to do is take a cotton swab, wet it and then run or rub it across the inside hem or seam. If the dye transfers to the cotton swab, then you should wash it by hand separately. Otherwise, you should wash it with clothes of similar colours.
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Also, make it a hobby to check the pockets of clothes before putting them in the washing machine. Coloured paper, for instance, can cause dye transfer stains when it gets wet.
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Avoid overloading the washing machine, as this can increase the chances of dye transfer. We recommend reading our guide on how to do laundry like a pro to avoid dealing with colour runs on your white clothes.
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If you notice any colour bleeding during the wash, promptly remove the affected item and rewash it separately.
Finally, follow the care instructions on clothing labels and use appropriate laundry products, such as colour-safe detergents or colour-catching sheets, to help prevent pink stains.
Removing pink stains from white clothes doesn’t have to be complicated
Whether it’s an unlucky colour-bleed from a laundry wash, a makeup accident, or a strawberry pie, pink stains can easily get white clothes white again with the tips shared in this article. Also, remember to clean your washing machine thoroughly after the colour run incident. Fill it with hot water, add about a cup of bleach and run an entire cycle. This way, you can ensure that there’s no residue dye that may cause pink colour bleeding again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Pink Stains from White Clothes
Q: Can baking soda remove pink from white clothes?
Baking soda has whitening properties. However, to boost its potency in removing pink stains from white clothes, mix the product with white vinegar.
Q: How do you fix white clothes that turn pink without bleach?
You can use natural stain removal and whitening products like vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice.
Q: Can you bleach pink fabric white?
You can achieve an off-white colour with a warm undertone when bleaching pink fabric.
Q: Can you use hydrogen peroxide to get rid of dye transfer?
Yes, you can use hydrogen peroxide as a colour run remover. This compound functions as an oxidising agent that breaks down the dye stains. However, before using it, make sure to check the care label of the garment or test it on an inconspicuous spot to ensure that it won’t cause further damage.
Q: Which is better to white clothes: vinegar or baking soda?
Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda has been tested in the dentistry field to whiten teeth effectively. Vinegar, on the other hand, is more widely used as a sanitising agent. So, the latter is more efficient at breaking down dirt or killing stain-causing bacteria. However, if you use these two compounds simultaneously, you’ll have a potent whitening solution for your clothes.
Q: Can you reverse colour run?
Yes, you can reverse colour run using baking soda, vinegar or an oxygen-based bleach. You can also use a colour run remover if you prefer a product specifically designed to address this problem.
References:
1. Raichurkar, P. (2010). COLOUR BLEEDING PROBLEMS IN COTTON YARN DYED FABRICS DYED WITH REACTIVE COLOURS & SOME REMEDIAL MEASURES. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/277559743_COLOUR_BLEEDING_PROBLEMS_IN_COTTON_YARN_DYED_FABRICS_DYED_WITH_REACTIVE_COLOURS_SOME_REMEDIAL_MEASURES
2. Selection and use of home cleaning products | New Mexico State University - BE BOLD. Shape the future. (n.d.). https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_g/G304/
3. Li, Y. (2017). Stain removal and whitening by baking soda dentifrice. Journal of the American Dental Association, 148(11), S20–S26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2017.09.006
