Many people like to dress up in colourful clothes because they can instantly brighten up any look. They also help add a punch of personality to one’s style. Sadly, those vibrant hues can fade over time, leaving clothes looking dull and worn out.
Thankfully, there are ways you can maintain the brilliance of your coloured garments and keep them looking like they’re brand new. Generally, it involves several laundry practices that can be easily adopted by both front- and top load washing machine owners. Proper storage and how you deal with stains are also significant factors.
Check out these tips to preserve the look of your coloured clothes.
Sort Your Laundry
Caring for your coloured clothes begins with properly sorting your laundry. Separating or categorising your clothes into white, dark, and coloured prevents colour bleeding and fading.
This habit also reduces the risk of white or lighter-coloured clothes absorbing dyes from darker ones.
Deal With Stains & Spills Immediately
Accidents happen from time to time, so your clothes may occasionally get stained by food spills or perhaps ink from a malfunctioning pen. If this happens, remove the stain immediately or as soon as possible so it won’t settle on the material and permanently leave a mark on your clothes. You can remove stains by gently blotting it using a paper towel or a clean cloth that you don’t mind being stained. Avoid rubbing the fabric, as this can damage the fibres.
If the stain is a bit tough to remove, treat it with an appropriate product for the type of stain and fabric. Once you have most of the stain removed, proceed with washing the clothes following the care label.
Choose The Right Detergent
The choice of detergent also plays a significant role in preserving the vibrancy of your coloured clothes.
While some laundry products do a great job at removing dirt from your garments, they can also contribute to colour fading. As such, opt for a high-quality, colour-safe soap specifically designed to protect colours.
Avoid Overusing Laundry Products
Aside from the kind of detergent, the amount you use can also affect the brilliance of your coloured garments. Using excessive detergent or fabric softener won’t make the clothes cleaner or smell better. Instead, they leave residue on your clothes even after the rinse cycle, affecting their colour and texture.
So, before you dump cup-loads of laundry products, think again. It is best to use the recommended amount for each load and maintain the quality of your clothes. You can refer to the usage guidelines on the product labels for this information.
Turn Clothes Inside Out
Turning your garments inside out before washing them is another helpful practice in preserving coloured clothes. Often, the washing and drying process can be tough on the outside of clothing. This can cause piling, which dulls the colour and appearance of the fabric.
When you turn your clothes inside out before putting them in the washing machine, it minimises abrasions on the fabric’s outer surface. This also reduces the risk of colour loss.
Use Cold Water
When it comes to washing coloured clothes, the water temperature can make a lot of difference. In most cases, cold water is your best bet for coloured fabrics, as it helps prevent colour bleeding and fading.
However, there’s an exception. If you have heavily soiled items, using warm or hot water may be necessary to ensure your clothes get a thorough clean.
Switch To A Gentle Cycle
Another way you can take better care of your coloured clothes is by choosing a gentle wash cycle. It’s designed to minimise harsh agitation, which reduces the wear and tear on the fabric. This makes the colour of your clothes stay vivid for longer.
Additionally, avoid stuffing the washing machine. Overcrowding can lead to excessive rubbing between clothes, potentially causing colours to fade. Give your clothes room to move inside the washer; this results in a better clean and also keeps the washing machine from being too strained.
Air Dry Clothes
The drying process plays a significant role in your clothes’ colour retention. While putting your clothes in the dryer is convenient, it can make the colours fade faster. On the other hand, air drying is gentler on fabrics and colours.
Try to avoid direct sunlight, however, to prevent UV rays from degrading the colour of your clothes. When drying clothes indoors, make sure the space is well-ventilated to prevent musty odours.
Store Your Coloured Clothes Properly
Proper storage is essential to keeping your coloured clothes looking their best. If they’re constantly exposed to sunlight, it can lead to colour fading. In short, store your garments in a cool, dry, and dark place. If your clothes require special storage, place them in breathable garment bags instead of plastic covers. This allows air to circulate, maintaining the freshness and vibrancy of your clothes.
By following these simple care tips, you can continue to enjoy their brilliant colours. They also help extend the life of your garments. With a little extra care and attention, your coloured clothes will stay vibrant and stylish for years to come.
Clothing from Boden UK has 365-day quality guarantee, they can also offer a Care: Repair: Rewear service, that allows you to send your faulty items to us to fix.
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