Does soft or hard water cause colors in clothes to run / bleed more than normal?

Question

We moved into a new house with hard water and we have a water softener. We have the same washer & dryer as before, and are using the same detergent, but seem to be ruining clothes because colors are running or bleeding. Could the water be contributing to or causing this?

Answer 1

Have heard of water softeners fading colors and even affecting hair coloring/perming chemicals. Depends on what salts were used in the softener. Do hope your drinking water faucets are not attached to a softener. Nothing you'd want to drink or cook with on a steady basis.

Answer 2

Hard water and soft water will not make colors run, but HOT water will. Wash the clothes in cold water with some vinegar and that should stop the running.

However, some hard water will leave stains on fabric and on toilets, tubs and sinks. If this happens, be certain that you use an oxygen-base cleaner (such as Oxy Clean) in every load of laundry.

Answer 3

I wash ONLY in cold water- I notice colors running MORE when I use the softened water- contacted softening company and they acted like they had never heard of the problem before.

Answer 4

If your clothes color is running put a cup of white vinegar in the washer when you wash them for the first time it will set the dye and it will not run any longer.

Answer 5

Yes, even clothes that have been washed many times may run colors when washed in water with a high mineral content; such as in rural areas.

Answer 6

BillyT may have some good ideas about some things. His vinegar warnings, however, ought to go unheeded.

Answer 7

whatever you do please do not put vinegar in the wash.It will make your entire house reek of vinegar.This will cause you to forget about your clothes though