What is the term used when colors migrate in a liquid from one area of fabric to another?

The term that describes when colors migrate in a liquid from one area of fabric to another is "bleeding." This phenomenon occurs when dye molecules are released from the fibers of the fabric due to the presence of moisture, heat, or agitation. Bleeding can be particularly problematic in upholstery and fabrics, as it can lead to unsightly stains and color loss, compromising the overall appearance of the material.

Understanding bleeding is essential for upholstery and fabric cleaning because specific cleaning methods and products must be employed to minimize the risk of color migration during the cleaning process. This term is commonly discussed in the context of colorfastness, which refers to a fabric's ability to retain its color when exposed to various cleaning solutions or conditions.

While the other options relate to different phenomena—such as crocking, which refers to the transfer of dye from one surface to another due to friction, and fading, which refers to the loss of color over time due to exposure to light or other factors—bleeding specifically addresses the migration of color within a fabric due to liquid exposure. Thus, the correct term to describe this color migration in a liquid context is indeed "bleeding."