Everyone has that one favorite piece of clothing they love wearing. But the more you wash and wear it, the quicker it can fade, which can be more than a bit of a bummer. So, if you’re asking: how to keep clothes from fading and how to restore faded clothes back to normal, we’re here to help!
Why Clothes Fade and How to Keep Clothes from Fading
Before we delve into some solutions for how to keep clothes from fading, let’s understand what causes it. Clothes typically fade due to the combination of water, heat, detergent, and friction experienced during washing and drying. The more intense these factors are, the quicker your clothing colors will fade. But don’t worry! There are ways to minimize these effects, keeping your clothes vibrant for longer.
Tips On Preventing Clothes from Fading
1. Wash Dark Colors Together
One of the most effective ways to prevent dark colors from fading is to wash like colors together. Color bleeding, a common issue during laundry, occurs when a darker item transfers some of its dye onto a lighter-colored garment. This can leave your once bright and vibrant clothes looking dull and worn out.
By sorting your laundry into darks, lights, and whites before washing, you can significantly reduce the risk of color bleeding. It’s also wise to wash new dark-colored items separately the first few times, as they are often more likely to bleed dye initially.
2. Turn Clothes Inside Out
Turning your clothes inside out before washing can protect the outside of your clothing from the wear and tear of washing and drying. This simple trick can significantly reduce pilling, which tends to dull the fabric’s appearance. If you’re line-drying your clothes outside, make sure they’re inside out to prevent the sun from fading the colors.
3. Read the Care Label
One of the simplest ways to learn how to keep clothes from fading is by reading the care labels on your garments. These labels provide specific instructions on how to best wash and dry your clothes to preserve their color and fabric.
4. Don’t Overfill the Washer
Overstuffing the washer can be tough on your clothes and prevent the detergent and rinse water from distributing properly. For optimal washing results and color retention, ensure there is enough room for your clothes to move freely in the washer.
5. Wash in Cold Water
Washing your colored clothes in cold water can really help keep them looking bright and fresh. Today’s detergents are made to clean just as well in cold water as they do in hot or warm water. So, you don’t have to worry about your clothes not getting clean.
Plus, washing in cold water can be better for the environment because it uses less energy. So, you’re not only keeping your clothes looking good, but you’re also doing something good for our planet. It’s an easy way to help your clothes last longer and stay vibrant.
6. Don’t Overdry
Overdrying can cause your colors to fade. Clothes should be slightly damp when pulled from the dryer. Alternatively, line-drying your clothes can further help retain colors. Just make sure not to leave them in direct sun as this can bleach them!
7. Use Vinegar in Your Wash
Does vinegar keep clothes from fading? Absolutely! Adding a cup of vinegar to your washing machine acts as a natural fabric softener and helps prevent colors from fading. Don’t worry about the smell; it will dissipate in the wash.
8. Use the Gentle Cycle or a Gentle Detergent
Keeping your clothes bright doesn’t have to be a chore. A simple trick is to use the gentle cycle on your washing machine or to hand-wash your clothes. Why? These methods are easy on your clothes and help keep the colors from fading.
The gentle cycle on your washing machine is less rough on your clothes compared to a regular wash. This means your clothes and their colors take less of a beating.
How to Brighten Faded Clothes
If your favorite vibrant clothes have dulled over time, there are several methods to restore their sparkle. Here are a few tips:
1. Revive Colors with Salt
An interesting trick to revive the vibrancy of your clothes is to use table salt. Adding half a cup of salt to your wash can break up detergent residue, which is often the culprit behind color fading. The salt works as a color booster, bringing back the brightness of your attire.
2. Restore Whites with Baking Soda
Whites can be especially challenging to maintain. If your whites have faded, try washing them with half a cup of baking soda along with your usual detergent. Baking soda helps freshen and brighten your white clothes, making them look as good as new.
3. Use Vinegar to Enhance Colors
White vinegar is another household item that can be a game-changer for faded clothes. Adding half a cup of white vinegar to your washing machine can help to eliminate detergent and mineral build-up that leads to your clothes appearing dull. Remember, it’s best added during the rinse cycle. Your clothes won’t smell like vinegar; the odor disappears once your clothes dry.
Through these simple steps, you can breathe new life into your clothes, restoring their vibrancy and brightness.
Best Detergents to Keep Colors Vibrant
Choosing the right detergent is a crucial part of maintaining your clothes’ vibrancy, especially when it comes to dark colors. The best detergent to keep black clothes from fading will not only clean your clothes effectively but also protect the color integrity. Here are some highly recommended detergents:
- Woolite Darks Liquid Laundry Detergent: Woolite Darks is specially formulated to minimize fading and preserve dark colors. Its unique formula doesn’t contain harsh ingredients, reducing the risk of color loss and fabric damage.
- Tide Plus Downy April Fresh Scent Liquid Laundry Detergent: Tide Plus Downy protects colors while removing tough stains. It also contains renewing scent pearls for a refreshing scent and fabric softeners to keep your clothes soft.
- Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent: This eco-friendly option doesn’t contain any dyes or artificial brighteners, making it safe for your clothes and the environment.
Remember, the best way to protect your clothes from fading is a combination of the right practices and products. A quality detergent combined with careful washing can keep your wardrobe looking fresh and vibrant for a long time.
Ultimately, maintaining the vibrancy of your clothes comes down to adopting proper laundry habits. By taking a few extra steps during your washing and drying routines, you can significantly extend the life and color of your favorite garments. This not only saves you from the disappointment of faded clothes but also saves you money in the long run, as you won’t need to replace your clothes as frequently. So next time you’re doing laundry, remember these tips on how to keep clothes from fading and restore the vibrancy of faded clothes. Your wardrobe will thank you! And remember, for any washing machine service needs don’t forget to give Advance Appliance a call!
P.S. For more washer tips check out our blogs on noisy washers and washers that won’t start.
