How can I stop my clothes from fading?
How can I stop my clothes from fading?
Color fading occurs when the molecular attraction between the dye pigment and the fabric is lost. The dye is usually applied as a layer of color over the threads of the fabric. The main causes of discoloration are chemical and physical wear and tear.
Physical wear and tear can wear away the dye in the fabric and lead to fading, which can occur during the washing process if the recommended care instructions for the specific type of fabric are not followed.
Chemical reactions occurring in the fabric also cause pigment loss. These reactions depend on the type of dye used, the drying process and the temperature. Fabric bleaching takes place in sunlight. UV radiation causes the dye pigment in the fabric to break down. It also occurs from exposure to the chemical form of bleach found in laundry products.
Which fabric fades faster, synthetic or cotton?
Cotton fabrics fade faster than man-made synthetics. Cotton is naturally white when it is extracted from the cotton plant. Therefore, all cotton that is not white will have been dyed and may be discolored. How cotton fibers have been dyed also affects how quickly they fade. For example, denim fabric is usually brush dyed, which means the dye is only on one side of the fabric, so it will fade faster.
Polyester resists fading and retains color better than cotton. This is because in the manufacturing process, when dyeing, the fabric is treated with a chemical solution that protects the dyed fibers from fading due to chemical changes or physical pressure.
Solid colored fabrics or reinforced fabrics
Some fabrics have been treated or strengthened so that they are fade resistant and will not fade. Some manufacturers automatically treat garments while others do not, and these are usually the least expensive. Garments that have been treated will be marked as colorfast or superwash.
So how can I prevent my fabric from fading?
Sort your clothes and wash dark clothes together.
Always turn dyed fabrics inside out when washing and line to dry. Washing and drying clothes is hard on the outside of clothes, so turning them inside out will reduce pilling and prevent paint from peeling and abrading on the outside of clothes.
Use the correct water temperature as indicated on the care label when washing and try to wash at the lowest possible temperature.
Be careful with the detergent you use when washing. Try to choose a detergent that is formulated to prevent fading
Try not to overfill the washing machine. Machines that are too full have to work harder, so they are harder on clothes. It also means that the detergent and water are not evenly distributed or washed evenly.
Follow the labels on your clothes, this is especially important if it says to hand wash, wash in cold water only, or tumble dry.
If you use the tumble dryer, be careful not to over dry them as this will dull the bright colors and cause them to fade. When drying in the sun, turn the clothes inside out, as UV light will accelerate fading.
Finally, you can always try adding vinegar to the washing machine as it prevents fading, if you can stand the smell.
Do I need to wash my decorated clothes differently?
At Pullmark we will provide a care booklet with all printed garments; it tells you how you should care for your clothes. Follow this advice and you will get the best results from your clothes.
If you have any questions about fading clothes, please email us at info@pullmark.eu or call us on 0750466616.
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