How Shout Color Catcher Saved My Favorite Shirt

Welcome to the 430th Metamorphosis Monday!

This is not a sponsored post, I just had to share Shout’s amazing Color Catcher product because it literally saved me from having to throw away one of my favorite shirts. Hope this proves helpful if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.

A few months ago I purchased this adorable polka-dot shirt after seeing it online in this ad.

 

My favorite way to wear it is with the same sweater shown above and dark blue jeggings, also purchased this spring. I don’t know if you do this, but sometimes when I have a favorite outfit, I tend to wear it a lot! It went with me on my recent trip to Morocco where I promptly got a big orange stain right on a white part of the button placket down the front. I don’t remember now what I dripped on it, it was some kind of red sauce. When it happened, I wiped it off the best I could and decided I would just deal with the stain once I was back home.

 

The night before the Tiffany event I blogged about recently (see that post here: Tiffany Breakfast) I decided to wear the shirt along with some dressy black slacks. That’s when I remembered the stain. It was late at night and I didn’t have any all-fabric-bleach on hand. I tried using some spray Shout on the spot and it did lighten it up a lot, but it didn’t get rid of the orange stain completely. Argggh.

 

Then I got the not-so-brilliant idea to put a tiny drop of bleach from a Clorox Bleach Pen directly on the spot. I thought it might work since the orange stain was only on a white section of the placket and not on one of the colored dots.

That turned out to be a terrible idea! It got rid of the stain and all looked well until I rinsed out the shirt. As I hung it up to dry, I noticed that all the black dots down the left side of the shirt had turned into little comets with tails. Ohhh, noooo!

 

I don’t have a picture of that little disaster because I was too busy freaking out to think of taking a picture, but the dots looked a bit like this comet photo from Nasa, except it was the reverse color scheme: black comets on a white sky/background. I remember wondering if the shirt was still available because I was broken-hearted I had ruined it. I also wondered what I was going to wear the next day to the Tiffany Breakfast.

Nasa Image

As I stood there looking at all the comets down one side of my shirt (for some odd reason they were only on one side of the shirt) I remembered that I had purchased a box of Shout Color Catcher back in February after seeing a commercial for it. When I purchased it, I thought I’d never have an occasion to use it because I never wash white and colored clothes in the same load. Why take the risk of color transfer when you can just wash them separately.

I don’t remember now why I bought it, but I’m so glad I did! As I looked at my ruined shirt that night, I remembered the color catcher and wondered if it would help. The shirt was still wet since I had just rinsed it out, so I thought why not try it. At that point, I had absolutely nothing to lose, the shirt was already ruined.

 

I tossed the shirt and one color catcher sheet into my little hand-wash basket shown in this picture below from THIS previous post. I ran the shirt through a rinse cycle with the color catcher inside the basket. I knew there was no way it was going to turn all those comets back into polka-dots but I figured it was worth a try.

 

I was stunned when the rinse cycle ended and the comets were all gone. It was like a miracle! I could not believe my eyes. I wore the shirt the following morning to the Tiffany Breakfast and ended up telling the story of the saved shirt to a couple of the folks I met there. I was still in shock that it had worked!

Who would have thought that a little Color Catcher sheet could fix something that was already ruined! It may not have worked if the shirt had dried first, so keep that in mind. If you ever have something fade all over another item, right that moment while it’s still wet, try running each item separately through a rinse cycle with a color catcher.

 

I can’t promise you it will work, but it definitely worked on this shirt. This was the side where all the dots had turned into comets. Amazing! The dark comet tails are all gone!

 

If this shirt goes on sale again, I may buy another one because I do love it! It looks great under so many different sweaters so I find myself wearing it a lot. You’ll find this shirt here: Polka-dot Shirt. You’ll find Shout’s Color Catcher here: Color Catcher.

 

One More Use for Shout’s Color Catcher

Recently, I found another use another use for Shout Color Catcher. I’ve never worn jegging until this past spring and the first time I washed a pair of my new dark-blue jeggings, they dyed the little raised augers inside my hand-wash basket a dark blue. I should have taken a photo of that to share…didn’t think about it at the time.  After a lot of scrubbing with a scrubbing sponge, I was able to get the blue dye off of the plastic augers.

The next time I needed to wash a new pair of jeggings, I tossed in three color catchers with the jeggings. That was probably more color catchers than I needed, but I still remembered how badly the jeggings had stained the basket the last time and I didn’t want a repeat of that scene.

I don’t know how they do it, but the color catchers caught all the dark blue color, and this time I didn’t have to scrub out the plastic basket. You can see how the color catchers looked after the wash in the photo below, although I think some of the dark color has faded out of them since then…the color catchers, not the jeans. The jeans are still nice and dark. lol

So these work great for dark jeans that are probably going to fade in the wash. I still would not intentionally wash dark clothing with white clothes, to me that’s just asking for trouble. But I think it’s a great idea to use these when washing colored clothing that you think could fade in the wash.

 

Hope this helps if you ever find yourself in a similar predicament. And don’t ever use even a speck of bleach on a shirt that has any color, even if it’s just polka-dots! I will definitely not make that mistake again!

Metamorphosis Monday

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Comments

  1. Susan, this is wonderful news to hear of the Shout color catcher AFTER the fact of what you did to try to fix your stain! I have used those color catchers when washing vintage quilt finds (esp the red & white ones) where you don’t want the color of those fabrics to bleed. They are AMAZING. I had a really cute black & white Ann Taylor dress that bled – after dry cleaning- that I should have tried the color catcher on, but I donated it, thinking it was ruined. You just proved me wrong.
    Happy Met Monday, and thanks for the party. Hope your week is great too.
    Rita C at Panoply

    • Rita, I never expected it to work! I will never be without a box of Color Catcher in the house after this experience. That’s such an great idea for quilts…definitely filing that away to remember. Wow, I didn’t realize dry cleaning could cause that. I wonder if it would have work for your dress.
      Thanks!

  2. Interesting article, thanks I have put Color Catchers on my list to purchase. I enjoy your articles.

  3. That’s great that you were able to save the shirt, Susan. I love it when a product does what it claims to do. It really is a classic blouse. Thanks for the share and the party. 🙂

  4. What a great hint to know, and you’ve sold me. I’m going to buy some color catchers to have on hand just in case they’re needed. The shirt and sweater are so cute together.

  5. Joyce Bowler says

    I’ve been using colour catchers for years, they are brilliant for mixed washes. Thanks for this post especially the bleach advice. I have been tempted to use it before!

    • Joyce, how have I missed out on these all this time. I didn’t realize they had been around so long. Yeah, I learned my lesson…there’s no controlling where the bleach will go when you rinse the item.

  6. Thank you Susan! I will pick up Color Catcher! Good to know. Happy to learn you saved the lovely polka dot shirt.
    I purchased the Talbots woody sweater you recommended. So cute! Haven’t had the opp to wear it yet.

  7. Julie WIlliams says

    There is another soap product that is fabulous for removing oils, grease spots, ketchup and stains. It’s old fashioned Orvus WA Paste, prized by antique quilters and tablecloth lovers, and prized as a wonderful shampoo for horses and pets. Rinses out easily. I rub some right into the stains, then wash in the washer. Amazing stuff. Check Amazon.com or a fabric store.

  8. Those Color Catcher sheets are part of my arsenal too! No matter how careful I am sorting laundry, sometimes a light piece slips by and ends up dingy from the dark load. I always use the sheets when I first wash new jeans too. It’s really kind of yucky to see how much dye comes off. The sheets are a miracle in a box!

    • I know, I couldn’t believe how much dye came out of the jeggings when I washed them. They truly are a miracle in a box! Perfect way to describe them!

  9. Wow, that is an amazing story! Shout color catcher is going on my list!! Thanks Susan!

  10. BamaCarol says

    I have that shirt too and love it! Love polka dots and thought that Talbots did a good job of not making them look too young. Talbots is one of my favorite places to shop, especially when there is a good sale like now.

    • Exactly! I’ve really fallen for polka-dot shirts, Carol. I hope Talbots keeps offering them each season because I’d love to add a few more to my wardrobe. They look so cute poking out from under sweaters and jackets.

  11. It is amazing how you persisted until you found a solution; you are so resourceful. I use color-catcher frequently, even when washing something new with other dark colors. I had noticed a grayish tone on a royal blue item after washing it with new jeans.

    • Thanks, Mia! That’s a great idea! I think I’ll start doing that because the jeggings I’ve been wearing so much lately really do release a lot of dye the first few washes.

  12. Great tip! Thanks Susan! Liz

  13. Great tip, this is a must try. lynne

  14. I use color catchers when I wash my quilts. Great tip. Thanks.

  15. Celeste Breen says

    I had to wash a quilt that was black and white with a few red squares. I threw in a couple of the color catchers and I was so glad I did. They came out pink and the quilt was perfect.

  16. Yay for a happy ending! I used to have something like Color Catchers years ago, but haven’t been able to find it. Will definitely purchase this product, just in case! A little hint I discovered (with five kids and spaghetti) is that diluted Murphy’s Oil Soap is excellent at getting out orange stains, especially if treated immediately. I buy a large bottle, dilute it with water in a spray bottle, and store it right now to my Shout. Murphy’s is also my go-to product for blood stains. It’s magic! The only other products I use are hair spray for ink, Biz, and occasionally Clorox.

  17. Goodness gracious! You and your tips save my life more times than I can count! Bless you for sharing this info with us! I am getting the Color Catcher and also going to try the Orvus WA Paste your commenter recommended. I am very much a “just in case” kinda gal!

  18. I love Color Catchers, have used them for years. I give them to my adult children at Christmas in their stockings. I have told my friends and now you have shared the information with all the BNOTP fans. I am so glad that you were able to save your blouse. MM

  19. Susan, you know so many ways to handle life’s situations. You need to be a Dear Susan in the newspaper! I know who to go to when I need a tip!

  20. Just added the color catchers to my list, that was very helpful. I shop almost completely at whole foods and am sort of unaware of whats going on in the products world, thanks. AND…that is a cute outfit. I have a white with navy dots blouse, slightly smaller dots, I got at J.crew that I don’t wear much so you have given me some new ideas. Always getting inspiration from your blog.

    • Thanks, Jillian! I never pay much attention to what’s new either. My sister was always really good about trying new things. I need to take a page from her book!

  21. I am so glad you were able to save your shirt! Also, great idea about using the color catchers for the first time washing dark colors. I am always worried after I use bleach or wash dark colors for the first time that I wash a completely empty load after to make sure all bleach or color is gone. This trick will save water & time!

  22. I love my Color Catchers. If I’m doing a small load I tear one in half. They can also be reused if there isn’t too much ‘color’ caught in one.

  23. Thanks so much! It’s nice to know when products actually work!

  24. I use Color Catchers in all loads, but most particularly in the whites load. What a save for you!

  25. I need to purchase some of these!

  26. Beverly Anderson says

    WOW! I’d never heard of this product before. Thank you for the great tip and link. I ordered a box!

  27. Susan, I wanted a polka dot shirt but read that it needs to be ironed. Is that true? I got carried away with the scarves and ordered six of them. I had the sweater in my bag/cart, but decided maybe I was too old to wear it. Congrats on saving your shirt. Got to get some of that wonderful stuff just in case. New jeans always mess up my appliances and I have to scrub off the dye.

    • It probably could use a little once over with the iron, but I’ve just been hanging mine up. It has a few wrinkles but nothing horrible. I don’t think I ironed it the day I wore it to the Tiffany breakfast.
      I do keep my ironing board up in a corner of my bedroom during the spring-summer months because I wear so much cotton and linen during the summer. It’s the best fabric for our hot, humid summers here in the south.

  28. When I make a quilt for someone I always include a pack of catchers sheets. After the time and expense of making a quit it would be a shame to ruin the fabric. Excellent product!

    • Sooo true! All that work and time that goes into a quilt, you definitely want it to stay looking beautiful. Several folks have brought up quilts today, so I’m definitely going to keep that in mind. I never realized color bleed was such a problem for those. Good to know!

  29. Juanita in OH says

    What a wonderful blessing!!!

  30. Love your polka dot shirt! So glad that you were able to save it. My daughter -in-law introduced me to Shout Color Catchers. They are amazing & do exactly what they say.

  31. I love the color catchers! Glad you saved that adorable shirt! One thing I always travel with are the Shout wipes. They come packaged like the little hand wipes from restaurants, so they tuck into anything easily, do not have to be separated out for TSA checks, and allow you to quickly treat any spot as it happens while travelling. The Tide pen is also great, but I have been forced to put it into my liquids baggie at airports before, and the Shout just tucks into my purse.

  32. Cynthia Raines says

    Thank you Susan for the great tip. Will get some for the “just in case” times. I Love polka dots too. Your blouse us darling.

  33. Susan, I have loved Color Catchers for a long time! I put 1 or 2 in every wash………and am always amazed at how they show color or gray when the wash has ended. They also catch the plain dirt that comes off of clothes instead of it just swirling around in the water. Whenever I wash something new, I put 3 in the wash. I am a real fan!

  34. What an amazing story! I am so happy that it saved one of your favorite blouses and glad that you thought about trying it. I think we have all come across a situation like this and thanks for letting us know how this great product works! Have a great week Susan and thanks for hosting!

  35. I have been following your blog for awhile. I don’t think I have commented before. Although I am older than you (late 60’s) we have similar tastes and styles. I love your polka dot shirt and I am glad you were able to save it. I have a similar Foxcroft shirt that I wear a lot too. I have always liked Talbots clothing, but I am tall and they don’t have a large selection. I am not complaining though, in the past 20 years there has been a huge increase in clothing for tall women.
    Back to your blog…..love all your dinner ware and get a kick when you pair expensive items with thrifty finds (Dollar Tree glasses). I enjoy seeing your ideas in decorating. I LOVE your porch…it is lovely and livable. I have 6 grandchildren that live nearby and mine has been taken over by their things. I just enjoy it because one day they will be grown up and won’t think coming to Mimi’s is so great. I think my favorite post was the one when you vacuumed the acorns. We had a huge harvest of acorns this year, they were inches deep in the yard. My husband thought I had lost my mind when I suggested getting the shop vac out, but it worked! I told him I saw it on your blog.
    Looking forward to more posts….

    • Thanks so much, Martha! lol I know it’s a little strange, mixing dollar store with higher end dishware, but I do love. So glad you enjoy seeing that, too. Oh, I’m so jealous, would love to have my grandchildren closer. That’s so wonderful! I have a feeling I’ll make the move to Ohio one day so I can be closer to my son, dil and grandchildren. I’ve been dreading the idea of colder weather but I did learn one thing on my last trip there that sorta compensates for the colder temps. I found out that they get less rainy days each than we do here in Georgia and they virtually never have tornadoes pass through. It might be worth some colder days to see more sunshine and not have to hide out in the basement several times a year fearing a tornado that’s bearing down on us!
      That’s too funny about the acorns! lol So glad it helped at your house, too! I’ll definitely do it again when we have another bumper crop…it’s the best way I’ve found to deal with them.
      Oh, and I forgot to say, Mimi is what my oldest grandson calls me, too…only it comes out “E-me” right now. lol Great meeting another Mimi!
      XXX

  36. Color catcher and Downey wrinkle release have saved my life innumerable times. Love products that work.

  37. Stephanie says

    I’ve been using those sheets for years ,love them!
    FYI, I had one get sucked into the motor of my front loader washer ! After a service call$$$ He told me to put them in a laundry bag,like a lingerie bag. I have a nice small one that is perfect .I pin it in there with a safety pin and I’m good to go.
    That product is a water saver too ,as you can do mixed loads easily ! Great with kids sport clothes and somebody’s dark jeans !or a dark towel that bleeds (hate those)
    Happy laundry!

    • Wow, thanks for sharing that tip, Stephanie. Scary that they can get stuck like that! Good to know about the mixed loads. I’m not sure I have the nerve to test that, but that good to know! 🙂

  38. Sue in Texas says

    I used to put the Woolite brand color sheet in with new quilts to catch the color runs, but they quit making that product. Now I use Color Catchers when I wash new quilts as I prefer to sew the unwashed fabric rather than prewashed fabric pieces. I always give the quilt recipient some sheets for their first first washes. A very useful product as it even saved a quilt I washed without the sheets the first time.

  39. Paula Neal says

    My friend had the same shirt and her dots ran also. She had not used any Clorox.

    • Interesting! The weird thing was mine only did it on one side of the shirt, so I figured it was effected by the bleach. I’ll continue to wash it with a Color Catcher, just to be safe. Thanks for letting me know, Paula!

  40. Paula Neal says

    My friend had the same shirt and her dots ran also. She had not used any bleach at all.

  41. I bought this same polka dot shirt from Talbots. The first time I washed it, I had the dots run…I had hand washed in gentle hand wash solution. I didn’t have any stains on the shirt, just needed to be freshened up after wearing to a summer event! I was heartbroken. I tried to find another shirt online with no success. I just thought it was my mistake… but then I phoned Talbots. They told me return policy and I said, but this isn’t just me changing my mind, this must be a defect in fabric if you cant even hand wash. She told me they didn’t have any more of these shirts but that I could bring it in to store and discuss with a manager. But then ended conversation by saying.. try hand washing again with some white vinegar in the water. I did and guess what! It worked… there are a few that are hardly noticeable, so I’m going to get some color catchers and see if I can erase those.

    • Dottie, that is an awesome tip to know! I never would have thought of that. Maybe the vinegar keeps the dots from running or something. The color catchers are amazing! I wish I had known about them many years ago! I’m so glad you were able to save your shirt!

  42. Susan….A new product by Carbona is fabulous…It is Super White for
    whitening and brightening. It is for use with all white or patterned white
    laundry….it just brightens those towels, etc. right up!!!!!!

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