For brightly colored clothes and pants, once the fading becomes severe, it's time to replace them. Originally vibrant colors become paler as fading continues, making the clothes look worn out and less appealing, which naturally affects how they look when worn. So, how should these brightly colored clothes be cared for to prevent fading and ensure they remain wearable? Below are a few methods to keep the colors vibrant for two to three years.
First: Color-preserving cleaning. When brightly colored clothes are first purchased, the colors are at their most vibrant. Naturally, the first wash is also when fading is most severe. When washing at this stage, pay attention: don’t just use plain water. First, add some salt to the water and dissolve it, or you can also add a bit of white vinegar. Then, soak the clothes in the water for half an hour before washing. The soaking process is essentially a color-preserving step, significantly reducing the degree of fading and preventing the clothes from losing much of their color after the first wash.
Second: Regular color-protecting cleaning. After the first wash, you don’t need to add salt anymore, but color-protecting cleaning is still necessary. The best option is to use a laundry conditioner with color-protecting properties. Add it during the final rinse to help keep the clothes looking vibrant. This is especially important for more expensive clothes. Although it’s a bit more trouble, it’s the most effective way to preserve the color.
Third: Wash immediately after sweating. Clothes soaked in sweat are more prone to fading, so in summer, these clothes should be washed as soon as possible—ideally the same day they’re worn, not left for two or three days. If the back of your clothes is severely faded, it’s likely due to not washing them promptly after sweating. Although summer clothes are generally cheaper, for the sake of appearance, it’s still worth taking good care of them.
Fourth: Dry inside out. The drying process can also cause clothes to fade. Under the effects of wind and sun, not only clothes but even some plastics can fade. So, when drying clothes in strong sunlight, be mindful: face the inside of the clothes toward the sun and the outer fabric inward. This will help maintain the vibrant color of the outer appearance. Additionally, when the sun is very strong, control the drying time—don’t leave the clothes out for too long. Not only does this prevent fading, but it also reduces the chances of the clothes pilling.
