Jacket Stained in the Wash: Dye Removal Around a Flocked Logo

Rescuing a Jacket Stained in the Wash

This customer takes very good care of their clothes. Here's why the case stuck with me.

The customer called to ask before sending it in, then brought it in during business hours and asked whether we could treat it.

Two days later (the change of seasons brings a large volume of clothes, so we usually wait until things settle down before working on rescue jobs like this), the customer's boyfriend came back to ask again whether it could be cleaned. He wanted to keep the logo.

I asked him why he was asking that, and whether another laundry had told him so.

He said yes.

I told him they weren't wrong, because the usual way to treat dye transfer involves boiling in hot water.

But our method is different, so there's no need to worry about the flocked print and the leather label on the sleeve getting damaged.

I said they could take time to think it over and only leave it with us once they were sure.

After all, that shop has a five-star rating and we have four stars, so it's completely understandable to feel unsure.

In the end, after another phone conversation, the customer left it with us.

Not wanting the customer to worry, we finished it the next day. That happened to be a Sunday, so first thing Monday we messaged them that it was ready for pickup.

A rare little episode.

Is It Worth Sending Dye-Stained Clothes for Cleaning? Check Three Things

• How long ago it happened: it's easier to treat when it's fresh and the area is still small. The longer you wait and the deeper the dye gets into the fibers, the harder it is.
• What material it is: protein fibers such as wool and silk, as well as leather and bonded performance fabrics, limit the treatment options.
• Whether it has a logo, leather label or flocking: dye transfer is often treated with hot water, which can damage these details. Tell us when you send it in, and we'll adjust our method to the condition.

What to Do (and Not Do) at Home After Dye Transfer

• Do: take the garment out and hang it open to dry. Don't leave it wet and bundled up or stacked with other items. Take photos of where the dye transferred.
• Don't: rush to soak it in bleach yourself. In a test by the Korea Consumer Agency, soaking in oxygen bleach at 40°C for 30 minutes discolored the colored test fabric with all 11 products, so you may make it worse.

Jackets With Logos, Leather Labels or Flocking

The jacket in this article has a flocked print and a leather label on the sleeve. When we receive an item like this, we first look at the material and position of the decorations, explain our method and the risks, and only start once the customer confirms.

What We Do: Remove the Transferred Dye

The dye transfer rescue described here means removing color that accidentally got onto the garment in the wash, so the garment returns to its original color.

Dye Transfer Rescue: Quotes and Turnaround

First, take photos and send them on LINE, describing where the dye is, how large the area is, and what the fabric is. We'll give you a quote after seeing the photos or the item itself. If it can't be saved, we'll tell you honestly when we quote, and we only start once you agree. Dye transfer rescue is special treatment and takes longer than regular cleaning; during the busy change of seasons it may be scheduled later. When we receive the item and give the quote, we'll tell you roughly when it will be ready.

Have a similar item? Send us photos on LINE and we'll take a look.