Watching your clothes fade colour is distressing, but you can change the way you do your laundry to keep your clothes looking bright and new.
The clothes you wear reflect your personal style, personality and emotions. Whether you prefer chic, minimal, or sophisticated attire – clean, crisp and fresh clothes make a great first impression. However, it becomes impossible to make a positive first impression with clothes that have lost colour, costing us to visit clothing stores every now and then.
The major cause behind your ruined clothes is your washing machine and dryer. How you wash your clothes plays a big role in their longevity. As much as it seems impossible to get them back to original colour after fading, you can still prevent it all by changing how you wash them.
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Following are tips you can follow to keep your clothes looking bright and new:
Choose the right detergent
Not all laundry detergents are the same, certain detergents can keep colours from fading, protect your clothes from shrinking and also keep your clothes soft without damaging their fabric. Do some research and read reviews. Pick out one that suits you and your clothing needs.
Wash with cold water
Hot water wears out clothes fast, rather use hot water for really soiled garments and sheets and wash your delicate fabrics with cold water to prevent damage. Fabrics like cotton, wool and linen are prone to shrinking when washed in warm or hot water. Washing your clothes in cold water not only extends the life of your clothes, it’s also better for the environment.
Wash inside out
Turn all your clothes inside-out before washing them. Embellishments and printing on the outside of garments can be worn out by the washing machine. Washing your clothes inside-out can protect clothing items with beadings and embroidery from damage.
Air-dry
Just as hot water causes shrinkage, drying your clothes with a dryer can also cause your clothes to shrink as the air from a tumble dryer is hot. When you dry your clothes in a tumble dryer for a long time, the fabrics become damaged and the colours begin to fade.
Hang your clothes outside and allow them to air dry, they will come out smelling fresh and will dry quicker than in the dryer. If you must use the dryer, adjust the settings to dry your clothes in the lowest heat possible.
Follow care label instructions
Read the care label on your garments as well as the directions on your detergent. Use gentle detergent for delicate clothing and regular detergent for sturdier items. Never use bleach on your clothes as it wears out the fibres and cause them to fade.
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Some general care tips
- Wash your clothes sparingly, only when they are really dirty or when there’s a visible stain. Over-washing your clothes can cause damage and fading.
- Don’t apply perfume directly onto your clothes, spray it on your body before getting dressed instead.
- Always treat stains immediately.
- Never hang wet clothes in your closet as this can attract mildew.
