Dark Wash Jeans and the Transfer Challenge

Jamie

I know this topic has come up before on the forum, and I've tried the vinegar trick to no avail. Even vats of vinegar have not kept my dark wash jeans from crocking or rubbing off on everything they touch, including my beloved light colored booties and bags. I recently found a fab pair of True Religion BF jeans that I love, but which will transfer blue to everything.

Aside from not wearing dark wash at all (which has seriously crossed my mind), are there any other tips for treating denim?

Thanks!!!

13 years ago

Shopping

12 replies

Latest reply was from Jamie

Anonymous

Hmmm, I have mostly dark wash jeans (Kuts, COH, Hudson, BR, Lucky) and have yet to have this problem. I just bought a new pair I've not worn yet and you have me worrying. I'll be watching this thread. I've never done anything special except to wash in cold water with other darks and hang to dry.

13 years ago

Anonymous

Oh dear Jamie, that's terrible! You have some gorgeous boots and bags. I hope you get this sorted; sorry I'm no help.

13 years ago

Anonymous

Idye sells a color sealant, that you are supposed to use after dyieing with their products.I have been using it with good results.
http://www.dharmatrading.com/h.....icals.html

13 years ago

Jamie

Veteran

No worries, Joy! I probably just have a knack for picking out denim that tends to rub off!

Thanks, Claire!

Thanks, for the recommendation, Zap! Seems pretty simple to use, too!

13 years ago

Anonymous

If not, try soaking them in salt water. you gotta put a lot, a lot of salt.

13 years ago

amiable

Veteran

I was going to recommend salt too - a couple of cups or more into your washer. I've also used alum as a dye fixative, but I don't remember whether it really worked any better than salt.

13 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have a pair of Paige's that are over a year old and the dye still rubs off on my hands, etc. I need to try the salt thing. I always just make sure I only wear them with medium to dark colors.

13 years ago

jayne

Veteran

I have a pair that do this too. Glad you brought up the topic so I can try the salt!

13 years ago

Jamie

Veteran

Janet and Jayne - Hopefully, that treatment works for you. I ordered the dye fixative that Zap recommended, and I'm going to give that one a try. One test that I read about online to see if the fabric is still crocking - find a white piece of paper and rub the fabric. If blue transfers to the paper, the fabric is still crocking.

I did some internet research last night, and one site I found recommended washing dark denim at least 8 times before wearing in order remove the excess indigo dye from the fabric. That's a lot of washes, but what do I know about this?!

Janet - I had a pair of Paige dark washes too, and I got so frustrated with the blue transfer all over me and everything else, that I returned them. Hoping that the salt treatment will work for you.

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Great recommendations from Zap! Hope your dye problems are solved, Jamie.

13 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

My DH has a pair that literally ruined hundreds of dollars of our towels and bed sheets by leaving dye in the washer and dryer. I've almost stopped buying dark wash for this reason! In fact, the last 5 pair of jeans I bought for myself have all been faded on purpose. My KUTs don't seem to do this. Levis are notorious for doing it.

Not to mention that dye getting into your own body - which is scary considering some of the substances used to dye jeans.

My only solution? Test the dye first in the sink by wetting a small leg area of the jeans. If it comes off too easily - let them dry and send them back. It's not worth ruining a bunch of other clothing, linens, furniture, etc.

13 years ago

Jamie

Veteran

Crossing my fingers, Angie!

I hear you, texstyle! I had just about sworn off dark wash jeans as well until I saw these recent BFs. Hopefully, a couple of washes and the dye fixative will do the trick!

13 years ago

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