Dye bleeding occurs when a coloured fibre loses dye while wet. Uncoloured or light-coloured fibre or yarn may readily soak up fugitive (runaway) dyes from the darker fibre or yarn and become stained. This is most often seen in rugs and carpets where deeply dyed shades (for example, reds, blues, blacks) become fugitive and bleed into white or light-coloured areas.
At least two conditions cause dye bleeding in coloured fibres and yarns.
The first is a defective dye or dyeing method. In such a case, the dye is either poorly selected or not properly handled during manufacture. The result is excess, unsecured, weak, and/or unstable dye. When a dye with poor stability or wash fastness is used, it may bleed during or after the first few cleanings. Likewise, when too much dye is used during manufacture, the excess adheres near the outside of the fibre where it may readily wash away.
Such defects in dye or dyeing method at the time of manufacture produce a textile product that is defective. Unfortunately for the consumer, these defects are not visible at the time of purchase.
In the second condition, dye is affected by use. Sunlight, atmospheric fumes, common chemicals, animal/pet residues, etc., can weaken dyes over time. Once dyes are weakened, they may run or bleed with cleaning.
If pre-testing or experience does not indicate a potential dye bleeding problem, the carpet cleaner should not be held liable for using what would otherwise be usual and customary cleaning procedures. The best guarantee of satisfaction is to use an experienced, reputable ASE cleaner.
