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You likely have your whites under control, but what about making your colors even more vibrant? iStockphoto/ThinkstockKey Insights
- To make your colors pop, turn garments inside out before washing to reduce fading and dry them away from direct sunlight.
- For new clothes, soak them in salt water or add vinegar during the rinse cycle to set the colors and prevent bleeding. Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup of salt for an overnight soak or pour white vinegar into the rinse cycle to brighten colors and preserve fabric quality.
- Wash clothes less often to preserve their color, opt for cold water to protect dyes, and try adding coffee or tea to the rinse cycle for dark clothing. For whites, a bluing agent can enhance their brightness without using harsh chemicals.
Almost every laundry detergent claims to whiten whites and make brights brighter, so why do our most colorful clothes sometimes look duller after a wash?
You may not think about keeping your colors vibrant first thing in the morning (and hopefully you're not losing sleep over it), but unless you're aiming for that comfortably faded vibe, clothes always look their best with crisp, fresh colors. Maintaining the original color can also save you money by prolonging the life of your wardrobe, as the gentler methods for brightening colors are easier on fabrics than simply cramming everything into the washer and pressing 'start.' (Don't worry, we've all been there!)
Some of the most effective ways to preserve colors use inexpensive, eco-friendly ingredients you likely already have at home. If you don’t exactly look forward to laundry day (and who does?), you’ll be happy to learn these color-saving tricks are nearly as simple as the throw-it-all-in approach, but with far superior results.
Excited to impress your friends and family with your new-found expertise in brightening colors during laundry? Keep reading!
How to Make Your Clothes Colors Shine
While it may not be as groundbreaking as launching a satellite or curing diseases, there's definitely a science to keeping colors vibrant. Colors fade when the chemical bonds between fabric and dye break down, so to maintain bright colors, it’s key to wash clothes in a way that prevents dye loss or protects fabric fibers -- or better yet, both. Stick to these tips and your colors will stay as fresh as the day you bought them!
- Turn your clothes inside out -- Experts say that the tumbling action in the wash and dryer can break fabric fibers as clothes bang into each other and the walls of the machine. While you can’t completely prevent this, turning your clothes inside out minimizes the fraying, keeping it hidden on the inside. If you air dry your clothes, hang them indoors and out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
- Soak clothes in salt water -- Salt is an affordable, eco-friendly solution for keeping colors vibrant. Before washing your favorite new top, soak it overnight in a saltwater solution. Fill your washer with cold water, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of salt, then add your clothes. In the morning, just add detergent and run the wash as usual. You can add more clothes at this stage, but don’t overfill the washer.
- Wash only when necessary -- To avoid color fading, wash your clothes less often. You can often wear office clothes or dressy outfits several times before washing them. Just blot any spills immediately and treat spots, using a dry sponge or fabric softener sheet to remove deodorant marks or makeup residues.
- Wash in cold water -- Washing clothes in cold water helps maintain vibrant colors, conserves energy, and reduces costs. For the best results, use a detergent designed for cold-water washes and bright clothes.
What everyday kitchen item can help preserve the color of your brightest swimsuit? Find out by exploring more tips on the next page.
Additional Tips for Brightening Your Clothes
- Vinegar to the rescue -- If you guessed white vinegar, you’re correct! Some swimsuit brands recommend soaking new suits in a mix of white vinegar and cold water to prevent fading and color bleeding. Use 1 tablespoon of white vinegar per 1 quart of water and soak for at least 30 minutes before wearing. For dark jeans, soak in a 50:50 vinegar-water solution before the first wash.
- Don’t over-dry -- The heat from the dryer damages dyes and fibers. Make sure to remove clothes as soon as they’re dry. Wash and dry similar fabrics together, or take out quicker-drying items before the cycle ends. If your dryer has a moisture sensor, use it!
- Coffee or tea? -- Add 2 cups of strong coffee or tea to the rinse cycle to restore dark colors to black or very dark clothes. Skip the cream and sugar!
- Use bluing for bright whites -- To enhance whites, add a bluing agent during the wash. Bluing agents don’t remove stains, but they add tiny blue particles that make whites look brighter during the wash or rinse cycle.
For more amazing laundry tips, visit the resources on the next page.
White vinegar is an excellent solution for refreshing clothes that are starting to lose their brightness. Add around 1/2 cup of white vinegar to each rinse cycle to help remove detergent build-up and keep whites from turning yellow.
