How to Stop the Dye From Bleeding in a Dyed Carpet
Dying synthetic and natural fiber carpets and rugs allows manufacturers to produce many colors and styles. Sometimes, however, new carpets have an excess of dye, especially those that are dyed extremely rich or dark colors. This excess dye can result in bleeding. Also known as carpet dye transfer, bleeding also commonly occurs after a carpet has been dyed by hand. Extract excess dye and treat the carpet with fixative to end the battle carpet dye transfer.
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Vacuum the carpet to remove all loose debris.
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Create a solution of dye fixative and water in a spray bottle. Use the manufacturer recommended ratio of fixative to water. Some brands may require hot water. Spray the carpet with the solution and work the solution into the carpet fibers by scrubbing with a dry, clean push broom. Leave the solution to sit for the time recommended in the directions.
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Vacuum the carpet with a carpet shampooer, using the recommended type of detergent, to reconstitute and suck up any excess dye. The excess dye, not the absorbed dye, causes the bleeding, meaning the fibers have a sufficient amount of dye. Therefore, extracting excess dye with a shampooer should not cause the carpet color to fade.
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Spray the carpet again with fixative and water solution and allow it to sit for the recommended time.
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Run the carpet shampooer over the carpet again, using no detergent, to rinse the carpet with plain water.
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Allow the carpet to dry for a few hours then rub it with a white cloth to make sure the bleeding has stopped. If not, repeat the shampooing process.
References
Tips
- If necessary, carpet shampooers are available for rent at participating hardware stores, grocery stores and rug companies.
- If manufacturer-dyed carpet bleeding continues after treating and the carpet is still under warranty, consider making a warranty claim.
Warnings
- When buying dye fixative, consult the manufacturer or research the specs to ensure it is appropriate for the type of fibers the carpet is made of.
Writer Bio
Mason Howard is an artist and writer in Minneapolis. Howard's work has been published in the "Creative Quarterly Journal of Art & Design" and "New American Paintings." He has also written for art exhibition catalogs and publications. Howard's recent writing includes covering popular culture, home improvement, cooking, health and fitness. He received his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Minnesota.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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