The migration of dye from one fabric area to another, typically during washing or other wet processing, results in undesirable staining and color mixing. This phenomenon compromises the aesthetic appeal and value of textiles. For instance, a red shirt washed with white items may leave the white items tinged pink.
Preventing this dye transfer preserves the original colors and patterns of fabrics, extending their lifespan and maintaining their aesthetic quality. Historically, various techniques, from natural mordants to modern chemical treatments, have been employed to address this persistent challenge in textile care and manufacturing. Successful color retention reflects positively on the quality of both the dyes used and the textile production processes.