10 Tricks to Prevent Your Clothes From Fading
If you want to prevent the color of your clothes from fading over time, don’t worry. Apart from separating items by color, you can follow a number of steps to avoid your garments’ colors from fading. These steps go from changing your laundry habits to using products that make the dye stay fixed to the fabric.
5-Minute Crafts wants to show you how to preserve the color of your clothes so that they don’t look dim, old, or worn-out.
1. Read the labels on your new clothes.
First, you’ll need to see if the label allows for machine washing, hand washing, or dry cleaning. Also, check whether or not you can use bleach. Finally, check if your garment can be ironed and how it should dry. By following the labels’ instructions, you will keep your clothes in good condition for longer.
2. Wash your garments inside out.
Turn your clothes inside out before washing them — whether you wash them in your washing machine or by hand, friction during the process can cause damage and make the color wear off. For the same reason, remember to zip up and button all of your clothes.
3. Use white vinegar on your new clothes.
This step extends your wardrobe’s lifespan because it ensures that the colors stay fixed to the fabric. This way, your clothes will remain clean, bright, and full of color. Add ½ cup of white vinegar to your washing machine’s cycle. Don’t fret about the smell; once your clothes have dried, the vinegar odor will disappear.
4. Soak your colored clothing in water and salt.
Just like in the point above, salt can fix color to fabric. Pour a cup of salt into a bucket of water and stir until it dissolves. Then, soak your colored garment for 1 to 2 hours and continue with the regular wash cycle.
5. Wash with cold water.
Use cold water to wash your garments. This way, your clothes will maintain their color and brightness. Hot water tends to discolor fabric and provoke color transfer.
6. Use color-catcher sheets.
Stain remover sheets, or color catcher sheets, are a safe option to prevent color from transferring on any type of textile. You just need to put the sheet in the washing machine together with your colored garments. It will absorb the dyes that come off during the cycle and keep stains at bay.
7. Wash your clothes in the delicate cycle.
Although this cycle is specifically used for delicate materials, opt for washing your entire wardrobe on a gentle or delicate cycle to avoid abrasion or friction from happening between the garments. This way, you’ll keep the fibers intact so that the colors will remain vibrant for longer.
8. Use dark clothing detergent.
Your choice of detergent can also affect the colors of your clothes. Some detergents can leave residue on garments, causing their colors to look faded and dull. Go for a detergent that is specially formulated for colored or dark clothing. This product will keep the dye in place and make your garments look bright.
9. Avoid sun exposure.
Sunlight can make colors fade on any type of fabric. Hang garments of vivid colors in the shade and inside out; the drying time will be longer, but your clothes will also last longer.
10. Wash only when needed.
With each wash, your clothes wear out and lose their original color. Instead of washing your clothes after wearing them once, consider spacing the wash, especially with clothes that aren’t in direct contact with sweat, such as jeans or jackets.