Often when we buy clothes, we get stuck with its maintenance, not knowing whether it’s a machine wash or hand; will its dye run off in no time, making it bleed and fade away or will it really brave those machine washes and yet not lose its luster or shine.
There are many reasons why your clothes bleed and we have compiled a list of quick hacks that can save you that ‘jaded faded look’, instead help them look healthier, shinier, and younger!
Just like our skin or hair our clothes too, get affected by the environment, chemicals, and the ways we take care, wash, moisturize or maintain them.
They too get impacted with the changing weather, temperature, and place.
So, to keep those vibrant and colourful try these simple tips:
Firstly, a quick look at why do colours leave fibers?
Clothes bleed and fade as dyes disappear from clothing fibers.
Whether the cloth is overdyed to look stellar in the store or the dyes aren’t well-set, or the wrong dye type was used on a fabric, dye loss can create a challenge to keep clothes looking just-from-the-store new.
Some dyes transfer colour when they rub against another surface.
Others leach when fabric gets wet.
Also, chemicals can release or bleach colours, as can ultraviolet light.
A clue as to whether clothes are more likely to bleed and fade is on the product label.
If you see warnings such as “colour may wash off,” “do not use detergent,” “wash before wearing,” or “use cold water,” chances are those gorgeous hues may bleed.
If the label doesn’t mention these warnings, your clothing is likely colourfast, meaning the dyes are more resistant to bleeding and fading.
Also, synthetic fabrics retain colour better than natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, for example.
Wash your worries away, with these tips.
The good news is that there are a few ways to keep your clothes’ original colours lasting longer.
To wash without worry, use these tips to reduce fading and bleeding:
Separate lights and pastels from dark-coloured clothes, then wash similar colours together
If any dyes are released, they won’t discolor other clothes.
Turn clothes inside-out to reduce friction that leads to fading on the outside.
Try and give gentle hand-wash to delicate clothes, specially tops and T’s, this also helps the
garment from losing its shape.
Wash heavy fabrics apart from more delicate ones and zip all zippers to reduce friction.
Wash in cold water, which keeps fibers closed, trapping dye inside.
Warm water opens fibers and sets dye free.
Many detergents work well in any water temperature, and using cold water also saves money.
Wash clothes using the permanent press or gentle setting, which are easier on your laundry than regular cycles.
Don’t overfill your washer or pack clothes into the washer.
Not only will they come out cleaner, clothing also will be exposed to less friction.
Add 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle or one-half cup salt to the wash to help hold in colours.
Use color-catcher sheets, which trap extraneous dyes during the wash cycle to prevent bleeding.
These are easily available online.
Don’t overstuff your dryer.
Clothes will dry faster.
If line drying outside, remove clothes as soon as they are dry to minimize UV exposure.
Try to dry your cottons and satins in shade, especially during summers or harsh sun.
Always turn clothes inside out while line drying, this will save the color-loss on the outer side of the garment.
In most cases, clothing will stop releasing dye after a few washes.
But its best to continue using these tips to minimize bleeding and fading so you can feel good wearing those jet- black jeans time and again.
The stack-hacks
Be mindful of clothes that bleed in your wardrobe, don’t isolate them but try to keep them with similar colored clothes or at least away from whites and pastels.
Sometimes dried clothes also run out of color, especially in damp regions or during monsoons.
Always iron and stack your silks inside out and keep them wrapped in muslin cloth or plain white cotton dupatta, sheet or butter paper this helps prevent clothes from unnecessary moisturization or discoloring too.
Use camphor potli’s or porous pouches in your closet, you can also keep some dried neem leaves, naphthalene balls or bag of salt, this helps in keeping garments fresh, smelling good and reduces chances of fading due to non-usage.
With inputs from Sakshe Bhatt Somani, Founder, HUMRA.
The thumbnail image is for representational purpose and have been sourced from designer Kshitij Jalori.