When you see color in the wash water, you have two choices: panic or act. Panic leads to hot water, which sets the stain permanently. Acting means you stop the wash cycle, pull out the affected items, and do a cold rinse right away.

If the bleeding is minor—just a faint tint to the water—a simple cold rewash with a color catcher sheet usually clears it. If it's a full-on tie-dye situation, you need to separate the stained garment and treat it with a vinegar soak (one cup vinegar, one gallon cold water, soak for 30 minutes). Rinse thoroughly, then wash alone in cold water.

When to stop and dispose: If after two treatments the color still bleeds heavily, or the fabric feels stiff or sticky, that's a sign of poor dye quality. Further washing won't fix it, and it'll keep staining everything it touches. It's time to retire that tee—maybe as a cleaning rag—and remember to pre-soak the next one.