How to Keep Red Clothes From Fading in the Laundry

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Things You'll Need

  • Salt

  • White vinegar

  • Mild detergent

Wearing red can really send a message. It makes a statement of power and vitality, and according to a 2008 study by psychologists from the University of Munster, Germany, it can even help you to win a fight. As time goes by, that statement loses its strength as red clothes lose their color. Prevent red clothes from fading in the wash by working a few easy tips into your regular laundry routine.

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Step 1

Follow care instructions included on the garment.

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Step 2

Always wash red clothes in cold water. Even warm water will cause fading.

Step 3

Use a mild detergent. Dynamo and Fab detergents are mild enough to prevent red color from getting washed down the drain.

Step 4

Turn your clothes inside out before washing. This better preserves the outside of the garment—the part that shows.

Step 5

Dip your clothes in vinegar before washing. Vinegar acts as a fixing agent to help the color stay in the cloth.

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Step 6

Add a cup of salt to your laundry water. The salt also acts as a fixing agent to maintain the bond of the dye to the cloth.

Step 7

Line-dry your clothes. The dryer is another culprit for fabric fading. For best results, dry clothes inside, away from sunlight.

Tip

If your reds are already faded, try dyeing the fabric to restore their vibrancy.

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