How can I get white clothes that have now turned pink back to bright white again?

Question

I made the mistake (not the first time, either) of washing a red garment or two with my whites. I generally don't separate the colors. So now, a lot of my whities are pink.

So how can I get them back to white again?

Answer 1

I assume you washed your whites with something red in the load? That's a toughie! Rit Dye makes a product called "color remover" that can help. It's available in the grocery store usually in the aisle that has the laundry detergent, or perhaps near the cleaning stuff. If that doesn't do it, try a chlorine bleach soak. Fill the tub of the washer add a couple of cups of bleach and add the clothes. Agitate a few minutes and then let soak. Check frequently and finish the load as soon as possible. Bleach will literally eat fabrics, given time.

Answer 2

I've accidentally made pink t-shirts and briefs so many times I couldn't tell you the number.

But my trick for them is really changing them from pink to a different color cause I've usually had NO luck in changing them back to white.

I mean that - no luck. And you have to look at the cost effectiveness of your problem.
If the clothing item is:
a) a pair of socks - well - you could replace that easily.
b) a pair of underwear - briefs - boxers - etc - same as a) - you can replace them easily.
c) t-shirts - easlily replacible.
d) Pants - depends on what kind - and what price you paid.
e) dress shirt - again - depends on the price you paid and the kind.

So - don't spend too much time on items that didn't cost much at first - just go out and buy replacements.

And - if they items you turned pink are more valuable - or have a special meaning for you - then go ahead and fix them -

either by the RIT Color remover (which may or may not work).

Bleach - I've had little luck

RIT Dye - change the color from Pink to Blue or Green or Purple.***
***this is what I do for my valuable items - at least I can continue to use them!****

Good Luck,

Ken

Answer 3

As a previous respondent mentioned, Rit makes a "color remover" product you can use to remove unwanted colors. I would try this before bleach, as all bleach does is break down fibers, so you will have to bleach many times to get the unwanted color out.

In the future I would use one of those "dye magnets". They're about the size of a rag and are sold in the laundry section at the store, or you can find them at Bed, Bath and Beyond or on eBay. They last through about 30-40 washings, and they will pick up colors in the rinsewater so that the dye isn't distributed onto other pieces of clothing.

Good luck!

Answer 4

You can try to bleach them back white-use a considerable amount of bleach, but not too much. make sure there is no other color garment in the washer. Let them soak in the water, detergent and bleach for a while, then turn it on your regular cycle. Good Luck

Answer 5

You can try running them through cold water washes with bleach. It may take multiple washes. Of course make sure the whites can take chlorine bleach. I had a hot water pipe burst once in the laundry room and it soaked my colors and whites and I was able to bring back the whites.

Answer 6

Maybe use something you already have on hand . Red food coloring in warm water and white vinegar soak garment until desired shade of pink is reached,

Answer 7

Bleach?

Answer 8

I haven't tried this myself, but I was told that soaking them in dishwasher detergent (like Cascade) would take almost anything out.

Answer 9

hot water and mild bleach? or jest get some dye and just color it something else

Answer 10

bleach