Removing Excess Bluing

Occasionally, we are contacted by a customer who has experienced an accidental spill of bluing on fabric or has used a little more bluing in their wash than directed. This may cause light blue tinting or blue spots.

Let us assure you that our bluing is not a dye, and it is removable from all washable fabric.

PDF Download — Removing of Excess Bluing

Mrs. Stewart’s Bluing is a very concentrated product, and care should always be taken to use only from a few drops up to a quarter of a teaspoonful (depending on wash load size). To many people it seems impossible that such a small amount can whiten as dramatically as it does, and the common tendency is to use more bluing than is needed. Also, the bluing should be diluted in a quart or more of water and then added to the washer so as to not splash full-strength bluing on fabric. Instructions for Use of Mrs. Stewart's Bluing

If the bluing is completely removed, your job is complete. Wash your items as usual using non-bleach detergent.

If the bluing is fading, but some remains, this means that the process is working but may need more time. Put the clothing back into the ammonia solution, put the lid on and keep soaking.

If the bluing is not fading at all after 2-3 days of soaking, please Contact Us. Together, we will get the bluing out to your satisfaction.

In addition to the procedure above, you may find the following points helpful:

• DO NOT USE BLEACH to remove bluing! Bleach will set the bluing in more permanently. If you have already attempted to remove the excess bluing with bleach, begin by removing all bleach from the item(s).  Bleach and ammonia are not compatible chemicals and can be dangerous when combined. Then, use a solution of 1 C. household ammonia to 1 qt. of cold water and soak, covered tightly for 48-72 hours. You may need to perform this procedure 2-3 times, washing with non-bleach detergent following each process.

• The ammonia will not harm fabric that is washable, and it is the only remedy we know of that will definitely remove all traces of bluing.

• If you’ve spilled bluing on something that cannot be soaked airtight in household ammonia (shoes, carpet, dry-clean only fabric), please Contact Us.

• If you have over-blued your white pet, visit our Whiten Hair & Pets page, or Contact Us. Please be assured that bluing is non-toxic and will not harm your pet. We will help you remove the excess bluing from the white hair.

• Bluing is not recommended for use in whirlpools, spas and jacuzzis because the blue powder particles tend to cling to the bubbles, travel to the sides of the tub and produce a blue ring on the tub. If this has happened, full strength ammonia may remove the excess bluing, provided the bluing has not been absorbed deep into the pool lining material.