We all have that one cherished piece of clothing we love wearing, but over time, washing and wearing can cause fading, leaving us disappointed. If you’re wondering how to keep clothes from fading and even how to restore faded clothes, we’re here to help with some friendly tips!

Understanding the root cause of fading is essential. The combination of water, heat, detergent, and friction during washing and drying can fade clothes. But fret not – there are ways to minimize these effects and keep your clothes looking vibrant for longer.

Tips for Preventing Clothes from Fading:

1. Wash dark colors together: prevent color bleeding by washing like colors together, reducing the risk of dullness.
2. Turn clothes inside out: protect your clothes from wear and tear by turning them inside out before washing and line-drying.
3. Read your User Manuals: washers and dryers have changed quite a bit, and if you’ve been doing laundry for a few decades, chances are the machine you have today is quite different than the one you learned on. Yes, water, detergent, and agitation are still used, but the different detergent types, cycle options, and efficiency improvements have changed the way clothes are washed and dried.
4. Read the care label: Follow care label instructions to preserve colors and fabric while washing and drying.
5. Don’t overfill the washer: give your clothes enough room to move freely in the washer for optimal washing results. This has the added benefit of preventing damage to your washer, which can occur in as little as a single load.
6. Wash in cold water: keep colors bright by washing your colored clothes in cold water, which is also more energy efficient and, therefore, less costly.
7. Don’t overdry: prevent fading by ending the cycle as soon as clothing is dry. For best results, remove clothing while it’s still slightly damp and finish on a drying rack, or, better yet, use a clothesline (avoiding direct sunlight).
8. Use vinegar in your wash: add a cup of vinegar to your washing machine for natural fabric softening and to prevent color fading.
9. Use the gentle cycle or a gentle detergent: opt for the gentle cycle or hand-washing to protect your clothes and colors.
10. Choose detergent wisely: use a natural, mild detergent that gets the job done without stripping the color from your clothing.

How to Brighten Faded Clothes:

1. Revive colors with salt: add half a cup of salt to your wash to boost color vibrancy. Obviously this isn’t going to restore that t-shirt you bought at a concert from high school, but it may help extend you enjoyment of a sweatshirt another year.
2. Restore whites with baking soda: freshen and brighten white clothes with half a cup of baking soda.
3. Use vinegar to enhance colors: Add half a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle to eliminate detergent build-up.

By adopting these laundry habits and selecting quality products, you can extend the life and color of your cherished clothes, saving you from frequent replacements. Your wardrobe will thank you!

And for any washing machine service needs, call a professional appliance repair service like Appliance Professional to diagnose the issue and provide an accurate quote for repair. We’re here to help and ensure your appliances are always in top shape.