How do I remove the color from where a fabric bled? One of Rose's fabrics bled onto the white background of her quilt. Patricia and Donna suggest ways she can fix the problem.

After completing a memory quilt I proceeded to rinse it in the washing machine. Even though I had pre-washed all my fabric, a certain fabric (maroon) bled onto the white background. Do you have any suggestions on how to remove these pink areas?

- Rose G.

Patricia Magaret and Donna Slusser respond:

Oops! We are so sorry! Patricia has had a similar experience, also with a maroon fabric, and sends great waves of sympathy!

We suggest you re-soak or re-rinse the quilt again, and use either Synthrapol or a Dye Magnet or Retayne. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Do not let the quilt sit or soak very long in any one position -- keep it gently moving, but do not use full agitation if using a washing machine. The colors can run and set if they are sitting in one position too long.

We lay our quilts out to dry on flannel-backed tablecloths overnight. You can also use a gentle fan to speed up the drying process.

Check the quilt as it air-dries to see if any remaining dye is still migrating out of the maroon. Rinse again if necessary, and repeat as many times as needed.

If you know where you purchased the offending fabric, we suggest you contact the shop. Most owners want to know about these type of experiences so they can advise other customers.

Good luck!

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Learn more about Synthrapol at ConnectingThreads.com... click their logo!
Learn more about Retayne at ConnectingThreads.com... click their logo!

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Readers' Comments:

August 11, 2001
Barbara D. writes:

If you live in a rural community, go to a feed store and buy Orvis paste. It is used for cleaning and treating saddles. It works great for removing stains from fabric, and it doesn't harm the fabric.

To use it on a quilt when a fabric bleeds, wipe the stain toward the darker fabric, and re-fold your cleaning cloth to a new, clean area before making another swipe. This ensures that you aren't just rearranging the stain on the quilt.

The stain will come out with Orvis paste!

Click here to visit
the Cleaning forum.