Most color bleed issues come down to three mistakes. Here's how to fix each.

Mistake 1: Skipping the pre-wash.

You're excited to wear your new tee, so you skip the first wash. That's the biggest risk. New combed cotton should always be washed before first wear, even if it looks clean. That first wash removes loose dye and any manufacturing residue.

Fix: Turn the tee inside out, wash in cold water with a cup of white vinegar. Air dry. That's it.

Mistake 2: Using warm or hot water.

Heat opens up the cotton fibers and releases more dye. It also makes any bleed permanent by setting the stain.

Fix: Always use cold water for dark or bright colors. If you're in a hurry, a quick cold rinse is better than a hot wash.

Mistake 3: Drying in the dryer.

Even if you washed cold, the dryer's heat can cause residual dye to transfer to other clothes.

Fix: Air dry your tees, at least for the first few washes. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and take the tee out while it's still slightly damp.