If you’ve learned the basics of laundry, you hopefully already know the risks of mixing light and dark colors in the washing machine. The trope of a red sock sneaking into a load of whites is well-known for a reason: one wrong color combo, and you might end up with a new pink wardrobe.
Ever thought to yourself, do colors bleed in the dryer, too? If you can’t figure out why your clothes are coming out of the dryer with mysterious color stains, keep reading.
Let’s take a look at why you’re not off the hook after the wash cycle and how to stop color leaks throughout the laundry process.
Laundry Q&A: Do Colors Bleed in the Dryer?
Yes, Colors CAN Still Bleed In The Dryer
Unfortunately, the answer to your question is yes: colors can bleed in the dryer.
The science behind the leakage is similar to the science behind temperature in the washer. If you aren’t already familiar with this process, check out our blog post on choosing the best water temperature for different types of loads.
For both machines, the same rule applies: when exposed to heat, the fibers in your clothes open up and release dye stored in the fabric. This dye then mixes into the load and clings to unsuspecting garments.
How to Lower Your Risk of Color Leaks in the Dryer
The easiest way to avoid dye leakage in the dryer is one of the first lessons from laundry 101: sort your garments by color. You can brush up on that rule and more by checking out our Laundry FAQ blog post.
Just like with the washing machine, carefully separate dark clothes from light clothes before tossing them in the dryer.
Another method of reducing color bleeding is to add an anti-color transfer agent to your laundry routine. For the dryer, we recommend using a color catcher sheet for each load. Simply toss it into the drum and allow it to collect stray color particles.
Finally, consider cleaning your dryer itself. Odds are your machine has collected enough dye residue over time to alter your garments’ color on its own. One DIY method is to scrub the inside of the drum with a combination of vinegar and baking powder. This concoction will wash away stray colors without damaging your dryer.
If you don’t have enough time in your day to squeeze in a dryer scrubbing session, the machines at our Thornton laundromat are cleaned regularly.
Pro tip: Removing Existing Bleeding Stains
If you’ve already lost a few white garments to color leaks in the dryer, try dissolving oxygen bleach in hot water. Once the mixture is cooled down, soak your white clothes or sheets for 15 minutes. After rinsing, the stain should disappear.
The better you get at preventing color stains from laundry, the longer your clothes will last.
If you need a reliable spot to up your laundry skills, and you live in Westminster, Thornton, Federal Heights, Northglenn, or Broomfield, come check out our clean self-serve washers and dryers.
Instead of stressing about finding a ‘laundry near me,’ head to the WaveMax website to visit your closest dry cleaner and laundromat. Click here for more details!
