How to Prevent Clothes from Fading

Victoria said, “How can I keep my black pants from fading? I have only worn the pants twice, but now they need to be washed. Is there something I can put into the washing machine with them to help set the color?”

You Will Need:

• Dye Fixative
• White Vinegar

Steps to Prevent Clothing from Fading:

1. Get a dye fixative kit from the laundry aisle of your local supermarket or in a quilting shop. Some kits that are known to work well are RIT and Retayne. Follow the instructions on the label of your selected kit.¹
2. Instead of using a commercial dye fixative, you can use vinegar. Add a cup of white vinegar to the wash the first time you wash the garment.²
3. Turn the garment inside-out before each wash.³
4. Keep the item turned inside-out for drying and ironing.³

• Using cold water to wash the item can help to prevent fading.³
• Air-drying clothes rather than putting them in a dryer can help to extend their life.⁴
• Avoid leaving the item out in direct sunlight as sunlight can have a bleaching effect on clothes.⁵
• If you do have to leave the item in direct sunlight, turn it inside-out.⁴

1. How the Queen Cleans Everything by Linda Cobb
2. Practical Household Uses of Vinegar by Margaret Briggs
3. Help! from Heloise by Heloise
4. Lemons and Lavender by Billiee Sharp
5. Home Comforts; The Art & Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson