How to fix the color of a garment?
Are you looking to set the color of a garment that bleeds? Discover two natural and economical color fixatives for clothing: white vinegar and coarse salt. These old-fashioned recipes are simple and effective.
Why use a color fixative for clothing?
The risk of color bleeding
Some clothes, especially new ones or those with bright colors, tend to bleed during the first few washes. This is because the pigments are not always well fixed to the textile fibers. A color fixative for clothing prevents this phenomenon by sealing the dyes into the fabric.
Without pre-treatment, you risk staining all your laundry or seeing your colors fade quickly. That’s why it’s essential to use a color fixative for clothing before washing colored fabrics for the first time.
The advantages of natural solutions
Making your own color fixative for clothing has many advantages:
- Economical: inexpensive ingredients
- Environmentally friendly: natural products without chemicals
- Effective: recipes proven over generations
- Simple: just a few steps
This way, you protect your clothes and your wallet while respecting the environment.
Want to test your garment first? Find out how to check if a color will bleed before washing.
White vinegar fabric color fixative, what you will need
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1 cup white vinegar
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1 cup coarse salt
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Cold water
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A large container or basin
The step-by-step method
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Step 1
Soak the garment in a container filled with cold water.
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Step 2
Pour one cup of white vinegar and one cup of coarse salt into the water. Mix well to dissolve the salt.
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Step 3
Leave to drain for 1 to 2 hours. The color fixative for clothing acts during this time to seal the pigments.
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Step 4
Rinse with cold water, then soak the garment in a basin of clean cold water.
Important: if the water becomes discolored during rinsing, repeat all the steps. This means that the garment is still bleeding color and needs a second treatment.
Finally, wash with a bleach-free liquid detergent and rinse your laundry again. Your color fixer for clothing has done its job!
Have your colors already faded?
Color fixative for clothing with coarse salt
A simple and effective alternative
This second recipe for a color fixative for clothing uses only coarse salt. It is particularly suitable for delicate fabrics that cannot tolerate vinegar.
The detailed protocol
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Step 1
Weigh your garment when dry. This step is important for calculating the correct amount of salt.
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Step 2
Prepare a basin of warm water and coarse salt. The amount of coarse salt should be equal to half the weight of your garment. For example, for a garment weighing 200g, use 100g of coarse salt.
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Step 3
Let the garment soak for half a day, stirring occasionally with a wooden spatula. This color fixative for clothing needs time to penetrate the fibers.
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Step 4
Rinse your garment in cold water.
If the color bleeds during rinsing, repeat the process. The treatment may require two cycles for fabrics with high pigment content.
Need to soften your laundry after treatment?
Tips for using an effective color fixative for clothing
When should you use these recipes?
Apply a color fixative for clothing in these situations:
- Before washing a new colored garment for the first time
- For bright colors (red, black, navy blue)
- On fabrics that have already faded slightly
- For unknown or inexpensive brand clothing
This way, you can prevent problems before they arise.
Precautions to take
To ensure your clothing color fixative is effective, follow these guidelines:
- Always use cold or lukewarm water (never hot)
- Do not mix several garments during treatment
- Follow the recommended soaking times
- Test on a hidden part of the garment first
In addition, some very delicate fabrics (silk, cashmere) may require professional treatment. Always check the care label before applying a homemade color fixative for clothing.
Frequency of use
A color fixative for clothing is generally used only once, before the first wash. However, if you notice that the colors continue to run after several washes, you can repeat the treatment.
According to the French Textile and Clothing Institute (IFTH), a good color fixative for clothing can prolong the brightness of fabrics by 40% compared to a conventional wash without prior treatment.
Entrust your delicate fabrics to the experts at 5àsec
Does your garment need professional treatment? Our 5àsec dry cleaners have the right solutions to fix and preserve the colors of your most precious items.
Find a 5àsec dry cleaner near you to take care of your clothes