How do I handle color bleeding in wholesale garments? What advice to give customers?

Color bleeding (dye transfer when wet) is one of the most common quality complaints in Indian ethnic wear, especially with deeply-dyed fabrics like dark blues, reds, and greens on cotton.

Test for color bleeding before stocking: Wet a white cloth and press firmly on the garment. If color transfers, the dyeing quality is poor and will likely result in customer returns.

To set colors before first wear (advise customers):

• Soak new garment in cold saltwater (1 tsp salt per liter) for 30 minutes
• Or soak in cold water with 2 tbsp white vinegar for 30 minutes
• Then wash separately in cold water for the first 2–3 washes

If color has already bled onto another garment:

• Soak immediately in cold water
• For white fabric: use OxiClean or colour-safe oxygen bleach
• Avoid hot water — it permanently sets the transferred colour