4 Ways to Restore Colors in Faded Clothes

No matter how careful you are with your laundry chores, it’s safe to say that you will eventually run into the problem of faded colors. Clothes that are washed very often can be more susceptible to color fading. Restoring the original look of your favorite clothes can be done with the help of some methods. However, it’s typically more effective to prevent this problem in the first place.

If you’re curious about the process of restoring colors in faded clothes, take a look at our guide. We’ll explore the best solutions to rejuvenate the vibrant look of your colorful garments. Some color fading problems are easier to fix than others. This is why it’s also recommended to take some precautions to minimize the risk of color fading.

Check out the most effective ways to restore colors in faded clothes:

1. Using Vinegar

This is a reliable method to use if the fading is caused by excess detergent buildup. You need to add vinegar to the washer that will eliminate mineral residues that cause color fading. About a half cup of white vinegar should do the trick. It’s recommended to add it to a laundry batch directly into the drum of the washer but it’s also possible to pour it in the dispenser for fabric softener.

The faded clothes that you plan to have treated with vinegar should be washed in cool water. There’s no need to select a special cycle unless you’re washing delicate fabrics such as silk. A regular wash together with vinegar works fine. Don’t worry about any lingering smells because the vinegar is rinsed completely by the machine.

2. Adding Salt

Similar to the vinegar method, salt can also work nicely for getting rid of the detergent buildup that causes color fading. Simply wash the faded garments with around half a cup of salt that needs to be added directly into the drum. Make sure you use standard table salt or another fine type of salt. Coarse options may fail to dissolve completely.

Salt has the ability to destroy detergent buildup and make clothes brighter. In some cases, it might even help to remove pesky stains. If you experience the issue of faded colors frequently after washing your clothes, it’s also worth considering switching to liquid detergent. It won’t leave as much residue behind compared to powdered options.

3. Dyeing the Clothes

This is the best method if you want to truly restore the color of any faded piece of garment. Dyeing is recommended for clothes whose colors have faded from regular wear. While it’s a great solution, this method only works for garments built from dyeable fabrics. Also, results may vary depending on the quality of the fabrics used. Synthetic fabrics don’t dye very well so it’s recommended to use this method only if the garment is made from at least around 60% natural fibers.

Clothes with the “Dry Clean Only” tag can’t be dyed so it’s not a good idea to attempt this method for them. To restore the original look of the clothing item, select a dye that appears to be a good color match. Check out this high-quality dye for clothing found on Amazon. Prepare your workspace properly to avoid unwanted dye splashes on the skin or furniture stains.

Read the instructions of the dye carefully to restore the faded color as efficiently as possible. The process typically involves soaking the clothes in a dye bath to saturate the fabric completely. You will need to prepare a container with hot water and stir the garment until every fold is fully soaked in the dye. Follow the instructions of your dye to figure out how long the soaking should last.

After the fabric absorbs the dye correctly, it’s time to rinse the garment and wash it normally using a cold cycle. Avoid mixing it with other clothes because there’s a risk of staining other items with the dye. Keep in mind that you will only be able to see the final color of the clothing piece only after it’s fully dried. If you’re not happy with the color restoration in some parts of the garment, consider repeating the process and soaking the item more thoroughly.

4. Trying Baking Soda or Hydrogen Peroxide

Baking soda is a powerful option if you’re looking to restore the original look of white clothing. It may not be useful for colored garments but it works well to brighten whites fabrics. You can rejuvenate white loads by adding half a cup of baking soda. This solution is also recommended for getting rid of unpleasant smells on clothing.

Instead of bleaching white clothes, another handy solution is using hydrogen peroxide. It can restore the original brightness of the fabric if you add one cup to any regular laundry load. The hydrogen peroxide can be added directly to the drum of the washer or together with laundry detergent.

Preventing Color Fading for Your Clothes

Avoiding the issue of color fading isn’t that difficult. You don’t need some special products or complicated techniques. Just proper laundry practices should suffice. Here are some helpful tips for maintaining the color of your clothes:

• Follow wash instruction tags

Many people want to deal with laundry chores quickly and don’t pay close attention to instruction tags on their garments. It’s important to follow these instructions before washing if you’re looking to preserve the original color vibrancy of the item for as long as possible. The tag provides specific instructions when it comes to water temperature or drying. Following them will ensure great washing results and solid fading prevention.

• Avoid color bleeding

Separating the clothes before washing according to color is a fundamental aspect of doing laundry properly. Most people are familiar with this process but it’s still worth stressing the importance of this task to avoid color bleeding that affects the color of the garment. There’s also the problem of lint transfer that can cause fading. Always remember to separate black, white, and colored clothes when doing laundry loads.

• Turn clothes inside out

This is one of those extra steps that can extend the time it takes to do laundry. However, turning clothes inside out is very much worth the effort. It’s recommended to prevent the exposure of outer fibers directly to water and detergent. You can minimize wear and reduce fading by washing and drying your clothes after they’ve been turned inside out.

• Go for cooler temperatures

There’s no secret that very hot water temperatures can be responsible for color fading. This is why it’s a good idea to opt for a cycle designed with cooler temperatures when washing colored garments, especially delicate fabrics. You can minimize fabric damage and prevent fading that occurs after several washes. Consider using a specialized laundry detergent that’s still highly effective even in colder water temperatures. Here’s a great option found on Amazon.

• Try air drying

Instead of tumble-drying whose motion and high heat can contribute to fading, try drying your washed clothes naturally. Air drying on a dedicated rack requires some extra space and effort but it’s worth the trouble if you wish to minimize the risk of color fading. If you choose to hang clothes to dry, make sure they’re not exposed to sunlight directly.