Why does my jeans stain my bags? (vice versa)
- by Super User
This common mishap is known as Crocking; it is defined as the rub off of color from 1 item to another.
Most clothing do contain dyes that requires several washes to get that excess dyes out. That's one of the reasons, you see your favorite pair of jeans fading after numerous washes.
You can try adding a cup of white vinegar to the wash water to help set the color in and do make sure to turn your jeans inside out to avoid fading them out too much.
Eventually, the jeans will stop crocking unless they are ever wet when you wear them. (For example, if it rains and the bottom of your jeans get wet, they will likely crock on your shoes if your shoes are light or made from fabric.)
With regards to cleaning the stained bag, it is strongly advisable to bring it to a professional cleaner to get it cleaned. The 'budget conscious' may want to purchase off the shelves cleaners to try cleaning it themselves.
Some home cleaners such as toothpaste may work on canvas material bags while lighter fluid may work on synthetic / patent leather types.
To prevent crocking or dye transfer from bags, you can try cleaning them with a cloth slightly soaked with white vinger. This should seal the dye & prevent the
curing agent from rubbing off. Products such as Scotchgard by 3m do offer off the shelf products to prevent dye transfer issues.
It is always good to test the product on an hidden area before application to avoid mishaps like corrosion and etc.
