What causes colors to fade in the laundry?

Question

Im kind of challenged when it comes to laundry basics, I want my clothes to last longer.

Answer 1

use cold water only and a gentle detergent.

Answer 2

Here are a couple of tips to keep colors from running:

Always check the washing instructions on the label. If you're still not sure, wash like colored items in cold water with a bit of vinegar (about 1/4 cup to one load). The cold water plus the vinegar will keep the colors from running. By washing like colored clothes together, even if they did run, your clothes won't be ruined.

Make sure you start filling the washer with water, then add laundry detergent (powder or liquid) and let it dissolve before adding laundry. If you add it after you put your laundry in, the detergent will not dissolve properly and it will end up all over your clothes and will need a second rinse. Plus, some detergents can actually remove color if put directly on the clothes.

And lastly, if you need extra cleaning power, use a good color-safe bleach alternative. You can buy detergents with this already added or as a separate product. They work great on my teenage boys clothes.

Answer 3

Cheap washing machines can beat the crap out of clothes.
Wash them on light/ or delicate/kints. Cold Water only.
Use Woolite instead of harsh detergents. A little goes a long way!
In the machine, sometimes I use a lingerie bag for things that I don't want to get wrapped around the agitator.
Handwash some items if you feel they are very delicate.
Invest in better clothing which will last longer for basics that never go out of style.
Dry clean if the label says so.

Answer 4

Hot Water and Over Drying causes fading. Use Woolite Dark on Dark Clothes. Use Warm or Cold Water when washing. Dry clothes in the Dryer for a few minutes then hang to air dry.

Answer 5

Per my Mom, who is sitting right next to me: Things that can cause clothing to fade more are: Hot water, bleach, dark colors should be washed in cold water with other dark colors, follow instructions on the laundry soap box- and dryer wise- use the pemanent press setting on your dryer for good clothing. And sheets, (linens) towells,can be be set on the highest (cotton setting). The reason for the permanent press setting is good clothing will last longer even though it will take longer for the clothing to dry.

Answer 6

i like Cheer and Woolite. Tide has a clean detergent stated as "finished Care" it relatively is meant to stay away from fading. i've got no longer tried it yet, however--it form of feels overpriced. besides, some different strategies... -continually use the delicate cycle -continually wash your outfits in cool/chilly water -continually turn each and every little thing interior out, quite denims -including a cup of vinegar alongside with the detergent will help avert fading (does not scent the superb, however the scent will bypass away while the clothing is going interior the path of the rinse cycle) -never over-dry your outfits

Answer 7

Heat, for certain fabrics will bleed them of color.
and of course the "agitation" of the wash cycle plays a big role in the color fade. permanent press clothing does well on a medium agitation setting with warm to cold water for wash. Try the special detergents for darks and colors that help prevent discoloration. usually these work best with cold water on a low cycle setting.
although drying does not take color out, not all fabrics need to be set on high heat to dry. Colors and special fabrics need extra attention. you may need to let some more fine fabrics air dry flat.

Answer 8

The water gradually washes the dye out of them. But get some woolite it's a whole lot gentler on fabrics than something like tide. Bleach also "eats" fabrics, so try oxyclean or hydogen peroxide instead of bleach.

Answer 9

Most clothes need to be washed in cold water, with a mild detergent....and dried on low heat and taken out and hung up while still damp. If you have delicate clothes, wash them on a delicate cycle.

Answer 10

the dye slowly comes out in the wash ,and most washing powders have a slight bleaching affect,also lots of people wash their clothes on too hot a wash 40degrees is fine

Answer 11

try washing in cold water only. this also saves on power and does just as good a job as hot water