Bleeding (textile processing)
When washing new textiles , the release of excess dye into the surrounding water is known as bleeding . The cause is usually the exceeding of the color saturation limit ( affinity ) of the textile in the dye works . Bleeding can also be caused by improper laundry treatment, such as washing it too hot.
Bleeding can be desirable to achieve washout effects such as a vintage or used look (see jeans washes ).