How to Prevent Clothes from Fading

Keep your laundry vibrant and colorful after multiple washes by taking some practical steps.

One of the most frustrating things that can happen to new clothes is a hard fade. When clothes fade, some of the dye is released into the wash and clothing loses color and brightness. Though all clothing will fade naturally over time, there are several things you can do to ensure that your clothes last as long as possible and to avoid experiencing a hard or rapid fade.

Things You'll Need

• Laundry detergent (gentle formula)
• Vinegar
• Spot treatment solution

Instructions

1. Separate clothes by color. Keep dark, light and white colors separate to reduce the chance of dominant colors transferring or "bleeding" onto lighter colors.

2. Use cold water. Though hot water is good for sanitation, if you're objective is to merely get out the occasional stain or smell from your clothes, cold water works just as well and is also gentler, reducing fade.

3. Soak, drain, and then wash your clothes. If you have certain garments that always release dye or are very dark, soak them in water and then drain the water before you start the wash. This will get rid of any dye that has already been released, but reduces transfer and the new water will be free of dye. For best results, add a half cup of vinegar to the soak.

4. Wash your clothes only when necessary. If you only have a tiny stain on a shirt and it still smells fresh, use a spot-treatment solution instead of throwing it in the laundry. This will cause less wear on your clothes, as every wash will add a negligible amount of fade, no matter what you do.

5. Wash your clothes inside-out. The laundering process is rough on the outside of your garments, but turning your clothes inside-out can help by reducing the "pilling" effect that dulls clothes from frequent exposure to moisture and motion. Though the inside of your garments may fade, the outside will stay newer looking longer.

6. Use a gentle detergent. Harsh chemicals are great for cleaning, but they're rough on your clothes and can degrade the fabric and dye. Most detergent brands have a "gentle formula" which aids in keeping clothes from fading.

References

• Mrs. Stewart's Bluing: Mrs. Stewart's Home Washing Guide: Laundry Preparation
• Wise Bread; 16 Ways to Make Your Clothes Last Longer Without Spending Big; Andrea Karim
• MSNBC Today: Solutions to a Laundry List of Washing Dilemmas