It happens that your favorite item fades after washing, or even after the first wash. What can you do? Don't worry, there are ways to restore your items to their original color.
But, frankly speaking, it is easier to prevent this from happening than to return the thing to its original state later.
Let's figure out how to wash things correctly.
Reasons why clothes fade after washing
The main reason, of course, is choosing the wrong washing cycle. This means that the item is too dirty and hasn't yet had time to be washed out, and the dirt simply leaves stains on the garment.
Adding a large amount of detergent can also have a significant impact. Avoid overdoing it with bleach, for example.
Everyone knows the rule: don't wash light, dark, and colored items together. This is especially dangerous for white items, as they will develop color stains first. Therefore, wash darks separately, whites separately, or light and colored items separately, to prevent fading.
It is best to wash new items separately from old ones, as there is a high risk that paint from new items may stain old ones.
Note: If new items continue to bleed, as is often the case with jeans, you can pre-soak them for several hours in a solution of table salt. The salt will help the dye adhere to the fabric, preventing the item from bleeding during washing.
Avoid washing colored fabrics in water that is too hot for them.
Pay attention to the labels; they often indicate the recommended washing temperature. Don't ignore the manufacturer's recommendations.
Saving faded clothes
Emergency method
It's best to salvage a wet item before it dries completely. There are several salvage options, and you can choose the one that's most convenient for you:
– Wash the item several times in cold water.
– Soak the laundry in bleach. Then wash it again.
Prepare a warm soapy solution in a basin. Use household soap, which can be dissolved completely. Next, add a small amount of salt, vinegar, and potato starch. The mixture should thicken, then apply a thick layer to the affected areas of the fabric and leave for twelve hours. Then wash the item separately from other fabrics, using the manufacturer's recommended cycle.
– Instead of soap, you can simply dilute the detergent in warm water and leave the faded item in it for two hours, and then wash it separately.
– Boil the items. Place a solution of baking soda and grated laundry soap over the stove. Add the clothes and simmer for about half an hour.
Warning: this method has a significant drawback: items may turn yellow.
We return things to white color
While everyone knows that whites should be washed separately, it sometimes happens that faded clothing is washed before whites, which is why whites can become discolored after washing. Bleach is definitely a good choice here; any brand will do, but it's important to follow the packaging instructions carefully to avoid damaging the item.
Important: Among all the bleaches, it's worth mentioning good old bleach. This versatile product not only removes stains from fabrics but also cleans plumbing fixtures, tiles, and disinfects surfaces.
If your white items are made of synthetic materials, solutions of aspirin and ammonia, soap and hydrogen peroxide are good for bleaching.
Bringing back color to colored fabrics
What should you do if a colored item has faded? First, sort your laundry by color, remove the item that has faded, and wash everything again. You can use a solution of a bottle of ammonia and ten liters of boiling water.
Important: this method is not suitable for silk or wool.
It is better to wash faded colored fabric several times at maximum speed so that it does not stain other fabrics.
Baking soda also works well on colored stains on colored items. Mix it with water to form a paste and apply it to the stain for twenty minutes. Repeat until the stains are gone, then wash the items again.
What to do with delicate fabrics?
If your items are stained after washing and are made of delicate fabrics, a special approach is needed. Bleach should not be used on silk or wool; you can only test it on a small area to see how it works. However, the best solution is mustard powder, diluted at a ratio of 1 tablespoon per 1 liter of warm water. Soak the items for three hours, then wash.
A short conclusion
It's possible to remove stains from faded items, especially if you act quickly and don't let the stained item dry. Over the years, many methods have been developed to deal with this problem. Chances are, one of them will help you. In a pinch, you can always take the item to a dry cleaner or re-dye it entirely.
