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Step 1
Avoid washing your bright colored clothes more than they need to be washed. Many people toss their clothing into the laundry hamper each time an item is worn. This habit not only leads to more time spent folding clothes but it is also hard on your clothing and will cause the colors to quickly fade. Shirts, sweaters and slacks can usually be worn multiple times before washing becomes necessary.
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Step 2
Wash your brightly colored clothes in cold water instead of warm or hot. Hot water will cause the dye to escape the fabric much more quickly than cold water. Unless a cold water is particularly soiled, cold water should work fine in the wash.
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Step 3
Choose the gently cycle when you turn on the washing machine. Using a regular cycle to wash your bright colored clothes causes the clothing to collide with other clothing in the wash and the agitation itself causes the clothing to move through the soapy water very fast. These factors can influence the staying power of the dye used in your clothes. It is best to choose the slow and gentle agitation of the gentle cycle.
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Step 4
Avoid overcrowding the washer as you was your clothing. Doing so not only prevents the entire load from getting properly cleaned, but it also puts more wear and tear on the items within the load as they tangle together during the agitation of the wash cycle. It is best for your bright colored clothing to be washed in a manner that allows them to move freely throughout the washing cycle.
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Step 5
Turn your clothing inside out before you put it into the washing machine. The dye that escapes during the wash will be redeposited causing the color to last longer.
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Step 6
Air dry your brightly colored clothing whenever possible. The heat of the dryer may have an effect on the dye used in your clothes.
