Most of you probably won't read anything in this article that you didn’t already know. Still, we all strive to preserve the brightness of our clothes for as long as possible. Clothes that retain their vivid color feel subconsciously new to us. Unfortunately, aggressive detergents and hard water can literally wash the color out, causing clothes to gradually fade and lose their appeal. To help delay this process, we’ve put together some useful tips for you.
Check for “suspicious” clothes.
If you've bought a new garment and suspect it might bleed during washing, do a simple test. Dampen a small area—or use the fabric sample sometimes attached to the label—then press it with a hot iron over white paper. If the paper gets stained, it means the garment is likely to fade when washed at high temperatures. In that case, be sure to soak it only in lukewarm water and use a delicate washing cycle.
Sort clothes properly before putting them in the washing machine.
1. Color: This one’s simple – colored and dark garments can transfer dye to white ones, especially at high temperatures.
2. Weight: This refers to sorting by fabric thickness. For example, blue jeans and a blue blouse shouldn’t go in the same load, even if they’re similar in color. Heavy fabrics like towels and blankets can damage more delicate items like dresses and blouses.
3. Type of material: In my experience, synthetic fabrics tend to release more dye, while cotton and linen are generally more colorfast.
4. Texture: Fluffy items like towels or sweaters shouldn’t be washed with materials that tend to attract lint or pills—like velvet or corduroy.
5. Wash old clothes separately from new ones: Experienced homemakers will tell you to wash new and old clothes separately. It makes sense—new clothes still contain excess dye, which they’ll gladly “share” during the first few washes.
Wash your clothes at low temperatures.
Hot water is the biggest enemy of colored clothing. If your washing machine allows you to adjust the water temperature, it’s best to choose the lowest setting. Generally, the temperature for washing colored clothes should not exceed 30°C. The same applies to soaking—cooler water is gentler on dyed fabrics. There are exceptions, but it’s always a good idea to check the care label before washing to avoid damage or mistakes.
Special wipes that capture color.
Color-catching wipes are definitely not a cure-all. Some people mistakenly believe that placing these wipes in the washing machine will protect all the clothes in the drum. But that’s not true—if the temperature is too high, you’ll damage your clothes along with the wipe. So it’s best not to rely on them too much.
Be careful when choosing detergents.
Even powders labeled “for colored clothes” aren’t always gentle on fabric dye. To avoid problems and guesswork, I recommend using natural products. Look for options that are Clean & White and contain at least 98% plant-based ingredients. These allow you to clean your clothes gently—because we shouldn’t sacrifice the color of your beautiful new blouse just to get it clean. Soap granules and concentrated formulas effectively remove dirt and leave a fresh scent, without damaging the fabric fibers. That’s why they’re even recommended for washing children’s clothes—the composition is that safe. So even delicate colored fabrics will retain their color.
Detergents that restore color brightness.
Lately, I’ve seen many ads for detergents that claim to restore brightness to clothes, but they often contain dyes, phosphates, anionic surfactants, and other harsh substances. That’s why manufacturers of these household chemicals strongly advise careful sorting before washing. Use the right detergent for each type of clothing—whites should be washed with bleach-specific detergent, and darks with color-restoring formulas. This is because of the dyes—if you mix garments, you risk dark stains on light clothes and vice versa.
Be careful with hand washing.
Dear ladies, if you choose to hand wash colored clothes, don’t make the mistake of twisting or wringing them. This can cause visible streaks or faded lines on the fabric.
Be careful when drying clothes.
Heat sources—such as space heaters—can speed up drying, but they also “pull” color from your favorite garments. Artificial heat can cause the dye to evaporate from the surface of fabrics. The best method is to hang wet clothes on a line or drying rack, ensure good airflow, and let them air dry naturally. I don’t recommend exposing colored garments to direct sunlight, as ultraviolet rays can bleach the fabric over time.
Ironing clothes.
If you’ve followed all the tips so far, you may think your clothes are safe—but even at this final step, there are risks. One of them is a hot iron. Its overly hot soleplate can literally burn the dye, causing fading or uneven color. So first, always check the ironing settings on the care label, and second, iron colored garments only after turning them inside out.
And now, if I may, I’ll share some of my personal “tricks” for preserving color in clothes. I don’t suggest taking them too seriously, as there’s no scientific proof behind them.
Personally, when I wash red or blue clothes, I add a teaspoon of baking soda directly into the drum.
If you're washing pink clothes, adding a little ammonia can work wonders.
For brown clothes, you can brew some black tea and pour the liquid into the detergent compartment.
30°C is recommended. Warm water is the main factor causing colors to fade.
Sort by color, material, and fabric weight. Never wash new and old clothes together in the same load.
They can partially reduce color transfer, but their effectiveness drops at high temperatures or with strong detergents.
Choose detergents made with 98–99% plant-based ingredients (Clean & White), such as soap granules that are gentle on both fabric and dye.
Yes – baking soda for red or blue clothes, a bit of ammonia for pink items, or black tea for brown fabrics can help maintain color.