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Can Stain Remover cause colour change on fabric?Updated 6 days ago

TL;DR: Stain Remover contains no chlorine bleach, no oxygen bleach and no optical brighteners, so it's suitable for colourfast fabrics. Fabric dyes vary though, and some hold less well than others, so spot test an inside seam before you treat anywhere visible.

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Koh Stain Remover
Koh Stain Remover with Foaming Spray Bottle

Why can colour change still happen?

Stain Remover contains no chlorine bleach, no oxygen bleach and no optical brighteners, so it is suitable for colourfast fabrics. Some fabrics can still change colour after treatment, because the dye lifts out of the fabric rather than being bleached by the product. Fabric dyes vary widely. Colour change is more likely if the dye was not fully fixed during manufacturing, if the fabric is highly dyed, dark, or brightly coloured, or if the garment already had wear, fading, or heat exposure.

✓ What's in the formula

Stain Remover contains no chlorine bleach, no oxygen bleach and no optical brighteners. That makes it suitable for colourfast fabrics, with a spot test first wherever you don't know how the dye will behave.

No chlorine bleach No oxygen bleach No optical brighteners Suitable for colourfast fabrics

⚠ Dyes vary between garments

Lighter patches or fading can show up after treatment on some fabrics. That is dye lifting out of the fabric rather than bleach acting on it, and dye stability differs a lot from one garment to the next.

Dye stability varies Spot test first

⚠ More likely if

The dye was not fully fixed during garment manufacturing

The fabric is highly dyed, dark, or brightly coloured

The garment already had wear, fading, or heat exposure

Unfixed dyes Dark or bright Worn or faded

How do I reduce the risk?

Spot test on an inside seam where the fabric is layered at the stitching, before treating a visible area. Follow the garment care label and never treat a dry clean only garment at home. Don't leave Stain Remover on longer than directed, which is 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse and wash thoroughly after treatment, and don't let the product dry on the fabric.

✓ Reduce the risk

✓  Spot test on an inside seam where the fabric is layered at the stitching

✓  Follow the garment care label. Never treat a dry clean only garment at home

✓  Don't leave the product on longer than directed, which is 5 to 10 minutes

✓  Rinse and wash thoroughly after treatment. Don't let the product dry on the fabric

Spot test inside seam Follow care label 5 to 10 minutes

How do I spot test for colourfastness?

Apply a small amount of Stain Remover to a hidden seam or inside hem. Wait 5 to 10 minutes, then blot with a white cloth. If you see dye transfer onto the cloth, the fabric isn't colourfast and you should not treat the visible area. Rinse the test area, let it dry, and check against the rest of the garment. If the colour and texture look unchanged, you're good to treat the stain.

✓ Spot test in 3 steps

1

Apply a small amount of Stain Remover to a hidden seam or inside hem.

2

Wait 5 to 10 minutes, then blot with a white cloth. If you see dye transfer onto the cloth, the fabric isn't colourfast.

3

Rinse the test area, let it dry, and check against the rest of the garment. If the colour and texture look unchanged, you're good to treat the stain.

Koh Stain Remover

Stain Remover

Spray-on pre-treat for stubborn stains. Spray, wait, then wash.

Koh Stain Remover Starter Kit

New at Koh?

Stain Remover Starter Kit pairs Stain Remover with the Foaming Spray Bottle for targeted application.

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Last reviewed: September 2026 · Koh Australia

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