The present invention relates to compositions and processes which incorporate water-soluble polymers, other than enzymes, containing .dbd.N--C(.dbd.O)-- (including PVP) and/or N-oxide groups into the wash, rinse, and/or drying cycle of a laundering process (e.g., via fabric softening compositions) for dye transfer inhibition in the subsequent wash cycle. Multiple wash cycles optimize the dye transfer inhibitor performance of these polymers, remove unwanted dye discoloration caused by dye transfer, and provide soil antiredeposition benefits.