I have a equadorian cotton shirt with BRIGHT emboidery on the neck. I have never washed it because I am worried it will run. Any ideas? I was thinking of pouring vinegar on the coloured part...is that a good idea?

THE RESPONSES:

• Dunk the whole shirt in a vinegar (a few tablespoons) and cold water bath.

• Depending on the dyes used, both vinegar and salt are fixatives. I'd use them both for the first six or seven washes.