How can you preserve the colors of your laundry?
Want to preserve the colors of your laundry and keep your clothes looking bright? Sorting by color, using the right temperature, measuring out the right amount of detergent… Discover how to preserve the colors of your laundry effectively with our simple tips.
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Sorting laundry by color: the essential step
Separate dark and light colors
The first step in preserving the colors of your laundry is to sort it by similar shades. It is essential not to mix dark colors with light colors or white laundry with any other shades.
Create three separate categories:
- White: all white and off-white fabrics
- Light colors: pastels, beige, light gray
- Dark colors: black, navy blue, burgundy, brown
This sorting method prevents color transfer, which can dull your clothes.
Be careful with colors that bleed
You need to be extra careful with colors such as red or black, which tend to bleed very easily. During the first few washes, wash these clothes separately to preserve the colors of the rest of your wardrobe.
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Choose the right washing temperature
Use cold or lukewarm water
To preserve the colors of dark laundry, wash at a low temperature. Hot water opens the fibers and releases pigments, which accelerates fading. A temperature of 30°C is therefore ideal for most of your colored fabrics.
What’s more, washing in cold water also saves energy while protecting your clothes.
Adapt according to the fabric
Delicate fabrics such as silk, wool, or linen require special care. Always check the care labels before starting your washing machine. Some fabrics do not tolerate high temperatures well and fade quickly.
Need help decoding the symbols on your clothing labels?
Measuring laundry detergent correctly
Avoid using too much detergent
Contrary to popular belief, it is best to avoid using too much detergent when washing. In fact, using too much detergent does not wash better and leaves residues that dull colors. These deposits create a film on the fibers that prevents the pigments from shining.
To effectively preserve the colors of your laundry, follow the recommended dosages on your detergent packaging. If you have hard (calcareous) water, adjust the amount slightly.
Natural alternatives
This reduction in detergent can be compensated for by adding laundry balls to your wash. These eco-friendly balls reduce the amount of detergent needed, improve the agitation of the laundry, and naturally soften the fibers.
Turn clothes inside out
To avoid unpleasant surprises such as marbling or white streaks, remember to turn items made from natural plant fibers (such as cotton or linen) inside out before putting them in the washing machine.
This simple tip helps preserve the colors of your laundry by protecting the outer surface from friction. The drum of the machine creates friction that can wear down fibers and dull colors.
Be sure to turn jeans, printed T-shirts, dark cotton garments, and colored linen items inside out. This will keep your colors bright for longer.
Has your laundry already lost its brightness? Find out how to fix the color of a garment with natural solutions.
Use white vinegar to set colors
White vinegar is excellent for preserving the colors of your laundry on a daily basis. Add 100 ml of white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment with each wash. It sets colors, removes detergent residue, and softens laundry.
In addition, white vinegar prevents colors from fading due to limescale in the water. It is therefore an economical and environmentally friendly solution.
When washing a new colored garment for the first time, soak it for 30 minutes in a basin of cold water with a glass of white vinegar added. This tip helps set the colors before putting it in the washing machine.
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Dry in the shade to preserve colors
The sun is the enemy of bright colors. Its UV rays gradually fade fabrics, especially dark colors. To preserve the colors of your laundry, dry your colored clothes in the shade or indoors.
If you have to dry them outside, turn the clothes inside out to protect the colored side from direct exposure. Tumble dryers can also alter colors if the temperature is too high. Therefore, use a gentle, low-temperature program for colored fabrics.
Expert tips for vibrant colors
To preserve the colors of your laundry over time, follow these recommendations:
- Wash colored clothes as needed, but not after every wear.
- Close zippers to prevent snags that dull the fibers
- Do not overload the machine to allow for proper mixing
- Use a special color detergent without bleaching agents
According to the French Textile and Clothing Institute (IFTH), certain delicate fabrics such as colored silk, dyed cashmere, or clothes with embellishments require professional cleaning to preserve the colors of the laundry without risk.
In this case, our 5àsec dry cleaners have the right techniques to care for your colored items safely.
Entrust your colored garments to the experts at 5àsec
Want to preserve the colors of your most precious items? Our 5àsec dry cleaners use gentle processes and specific products to protect your colored fabrics.
Find a 5àsec dry cleaner near you to keep your clothes looking their best.