When it comes to washing clothes, there is one rule that everyone knows: only wash similar colors together and never mix highlights with dyes. While this will certainly make your clothes cleaner, it could cause you to make big mistakes when washing colored clothes.
Laundry professionals and fabric care experts have said that small mistakes, such as overloading a machine or using the wrong detergent, can permanently damage colorful clothing. Fortunately, they are all relatively easy to avoid.
Here are the six biggest mistakes to avoid when washing colored clothes and how experts overcome them to get a perfect wash every time.
Mistakes to avoid when washing paints
Doing laundry doesn't have to be difficult. For example, if you sort the clothes to be washed before wash day by color and washing symbols on the care label, you will go a long way toward ensuring that your clothes come out of the washing machine spotlessly clean every time.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
1. Use harsh chemicals
In most cases, you don't need to add harsh, astringent chemicals to your laundry routine, even if your clothes are stained or smell bad. This is particularly important when washing colored clothing to protect its hue, says Parima Ijaz, fabric care expert and founder of bedding specialist Pure Parima :
"Avoid harsh chemicals when washing and drying clothes. Detergents, dryer sheets, fabric softeners and other laundry products that contain harsh chemicals can damage fabrics and damage fibers, reducing their durability and shine.
Rocky Vuong, professional cleaner and founder of NeatBrite , adds: "Bleach is powerful, but it is also known to whiten fabrics. Opt for oxygen bleach, a gentler alternative that protects colors and brightens whites. Remember to avoid it when in doubt.
If you want to brighten or freshen dyed clothes without chemicals, consider using white vinegar on your clothes . The vinegar trick to prevent clothing from fading helps strengthen colors, remove stains, and neutralize odors without the need for commercial chemicals that could harm your fabrics, your washing machine, and your skin.
2. Wash with abrasive textiles
Separating garments has more benefits than preventing dye transfer. It's also important to keep delicate items away from rougher fabrics like towels and jeans to protect the paint, says Vanessa Terra Bossart, professional cleaner and founder of Green Terra Cleaning . She explains that abrasive fabrics can cause pilling and wear down the fibers of delicately colored garments. This in turn causes them to fade more quickly.
"Separate softer, more colorful clothing from rougher materials to avoid damage," she advises.
3. Wash in warm water
Determining the best temperature for washing dark clothes is important if you want to protect their coloring, continues Vanessa Terra Bossart, professional cleaner. "Hot water can cause colors to fade or fade, especially light or dark shades," she explains. "When washing colored fabrics, always use cold or warm water to preserve the original shades. »
4. Drying at too high a temperature
Similar dryer damage can occur if you don't read your dryer's temperature guide , adds fabric care expert Parima Ijaz.
"When it comes to dry environments, avoid using high heat as extremely high temperatures can cause shrinkage and damage. Always dry clothing on low heat or air dry when possible for best results and longer durability of clothing and linens.
5. Using too much detergent
It's important to reduce the use of detergent when washing colored clothing to protect the intensity of the dye, says Carolina Kazimierski, co-owner and president of Sophia's Cleaning Service .
"A fairly common mistake I see when people wash colored clothing is using too much detergent. Not only can this cause your washing machine to work harder, but especially with colors, too much detergent can cause soap to build up on your clothes, which can cause colors to fade and become dull.
"I've found that many people who struggle with faded colors use too much detergent without even realizing it."
Typically, the detergent will provide a measurement guide on the back of the bottle with measurement recommendations based on the level of soiling and size of your washing machine. A good way to get it right every time is to check it every time you wash it.
6. Using the wrong detergent
Using the wrong type of detergent can be just as damaging as using too much, continues Jade Piper, cleaning expert and operations manager at BetterCleans .
"To prevent colored clothing from fading, it's best to avoid regular laundry detergents, as they can fade the color over time," says Jade. Instead, look for a color-safe detergent for colored clothing.
Tide Original Liquid Laundry Detergent from Walmart is a great, versatile option for washing white and dyed clothes. However, if you want a more specialized product, consider Woolite Darks Liquid Laundry Detergent, also at Walmart , which is highly rated by customers who like that it keeps their clothes "newer" for longer.
Jade adds: "If you notice your favorite shirt or trousers are looking a bit dull, try using a color restoring product or soaking them in water with a little salt. Cleaning with salt fixes the colors and prevents them from fading.
Frequently asked questions
How to restore clothes with faded colors?
Restoring faded colors on clothes is easy but can be tedious since you have to re-dye them at home. To do this, select a fabric color that best matches the garment, then follow the package instructions to soak and re-dye the garment. Keep in mind that color transfer may occur the first time you wash this garment after dyeing. Therefore, wash it carefully to avoid damaging other clothing or bedding.
All of these extra steps and rules to follow when washing colored clothes may not seem like good time-saving tips , but they will pay off in the long run. By washing clothes first, you avoid damaging or discoloring clothes that you will have to repair or replace later, saving time and energy in the future.
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