Buying colored garments and then seeing them fade on the first wash can be really disappointing. Fortunately, there are several ways to restore their bright colors to your garments. Sometimes, it is the detergent that builds up on the laundry that gives this "dull" look, and if so, a salt or vinegar wash can help make the garments look as good as new. If, on the other hand, the loss of color intensity of a garment is due to normal washing and wear, dyeing it with the color it originally had can give it new life. If you want, you can also be able to restore the color of your clothes using common household products, such as baking soda, coffee or hydrogen peroxide.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Bring back shine to your garments with salt
Step 1. Place the discolored garments in the washing machine along with your regular detergent
If your clothes look faded after just a few washes, it may be due to a buildup of detergent in the fabrics. An addition of salt to your usual wash can help dissolve this material and make your items look as good as new.
Powdered laundry detergent is more likely to leave residue, not liquid
Step 2. Add 150g of salt to the wash cycle
Once you have put your clothes and detergent in the washing machine, pour about 150 g of salt into the drum: this will not only restore the colors, but first of all prevent other garments from fading.
- If you want, you can add salt to each load of laundry.
- Regular table salt or ultra-fine pickling (leather treatment) salt works well, but avoid using coarse-grained sea salt as it may not dissolve completely in the washing machine.
- Salt is an effective stain remover, especially against blood, mold and sweat stains.
Step 3. Dry your clothing as usual
At the end of the wash, take out your clothes and check their color: if you like it, you can put them to dry in the air or in the dryer; if they still look discolored, the alternative is to try washing them in vinegar.
If your garments have lost their color due to constant washing, you may need to dye them again
Method 2 of 4: Use Vinegar to Combat Detergent Buildup in Fabrics
Step 1. Add 120ml of white wine vinegar to the washing machine
If you have a top-loading washing machine, you can pour the vinegar directly into the drum; if you have the one with the front loading, you can add it to the softener compartment. The vinegar will dissolve any residue left by the detergent or mineral deposits due to the hardness of the water, so your clothes will look brighter.
The vinegar will help prevent these residues from forming, so using it is a great way to set the colors of your garments when they are still new
Advise:
for a deeper clean, you can also dilute 240ml of white wine vinegar in 3.8L of warm water. Soak the clothing in the vinegar mixture for about 20-30 minutes before your usual wash.
Step 2. Wash your clothes on a normal cycle in cold water
Put the discolored clothes in the washing machine, add the detergent and start the wash. In many cases, it is enough to soak them in vinegar and then wash them to give clothes a brighter look.
Choose the appropriate cycle for the garments you are treating. For example, if you have to wash those made of silk or lace, it is better to set a delicate wash. For sturdier fabrics, like cotton or jeans, a normal wash will do just fine
Step 3. Air dry or tumble dry your clothing
The vinegar will be washed off during the rinse cycle, so you shouldn't smell it on your clothes after washing. You can hang your clothes out to dry or put them in the dryer, depending on the method you usually use or the instructions on the washing label.
- If you still smell a little, let the clothes dry outdoors or put a fabric softener sheet in the dryer: once dry you shouldn't smell it anymore.
- If the garments are still discolored, it is likely that the loss of color is due to continuous washing and perhaps it is better to dye them again rather than using this method.
Method 3 of 4: Dye the Clothing to Refresh the Color
Step 1. Check the care label to determine if the fabric can be dyed
Some fabrics are better suited for dyeing than others, so before trying to dye a garment, check the label inside the garment to find out what material it is made of: if it is made up of at least 60% natural fibers, such as cotton, silk, linen, ramie or wool, or if it is made of rayon or nylon, it will probably be dyed well.
- Once colored, garments made from mixed fibers (natural and synthetic) may not have the dark look that garments made entirely from natural fibers do.
- Garments made of acrylic, lycra, polyester, or metallic fibers, or those with a "Dry Clean Only" label, will likely not color well (or not at all).
Advise:
make sure that the garments you are trying to dye are perfectly clean, as any stains will prevent the dye from penetrating evenly into the fabric.
Step 2. Choose a dye that comes as close to the original color as possible
If you want your garment to look as good as new, take it with you when you go to the supermarket, haberdashery or craft store to choose the dye. Try to get it as close as possible, as this will give you a more vivid end result and a more natural look.
If you want to change the color of the garment, you will probably need to bleach it first using a specific product
Step 3. Protect the skin and work area from the dye
Cover your workspace with newspapers, tarps, or trash bags to prevent splashes of dye from staining the table, counter or floor. Also have some old rags or paper towels handy, in case you need to quickly remove a stain; It is also essential to wear old clothes and a pair of thick gloves so as not to stain your skin or clothing.
It is important that you protect your hands as the dye may irritate your skin
Step 4. Fill a container with hot water (between 49 ° C and 60 ° C)
Most water heaters are set to reach a maximum temperature of 49 ° C, some 60 ° C, so using tap water at the highest temperature should be sufficient. However, if you want it even hotter, you can heat it on the stove and take it out just before it reaches boiling point or around 93 ° C. Pour it into a large container, such as a bucket or tub, or fill a top-loading washing machine with water and set the temperature higher.
- You will need about 11 liters of water for every 0.45 kg of clothing.
- A bucket (or similar container) is suitable for smaller items of clothing, such as light tops, accessories and baby clothes. Instead, use a plastic tub or washing machine for bulky items, like sweaters and jeans.
- Many items of clothing have a weight between 0.22 kg and 0.4 kg.
Step 5. Dissolve the dye and salt in a cup of water, then add to the bowl
Follow the directions on the dye package to determine how much you need (but usually about half a bottle is needed for every 0.45kg of tissue). Also, to make it stick better to the fabric, add 150g of salt per 0.45kg of fabric. Mix the two ingredients in a small cup containing hot water until they have completely dissolved, then add the mixture to the water in your large container and use a long-handled metal spoon, or tongs, to mix everything.
For easy cleaning, consider using a stick or plastic spoon to mix the dye into the small container, so when you're done, all you have to do is throw it away
Step 6. Soak the garments for 30-60 minutes, moving them continuously
Dip the garments in the dye bath and use the spoon or tongs to push them down, making sure they are completely dyed. To ensure that the dye sets evenly on the fabrics, loosen the clothing at least every 5-10 minutes. By doing this, you will avoid creases preventing the dye from covering them entirely.
The more you move the cloths, the more uniform the color will be. Some people prefer to mix them constantly, while for others it is enough to stir them every few minutes
Step 7. Remove the clothes from the dye and rinse them well with cold water
After the recommended time has elapsed or when you believe that the garments are dark enough, help with the tongs or the spoon to carefully extract them from the dye bath. Place them in a bathtub or sink and rinse them under cold running water until you see them running almost clear.
- Remember that on wet clothes the color will look darker, so take this into account when judging if the clothes will be ready!
- Clean the sink or tub immediately so they don't get stained.
Step 8. Wash the items separately in the washing machine with cold water
If you are happy with the color the clothes have taken, turn them inside out and put them in the washing machine. Even if you have already removed most of the dye by hand washing, the garments will still lose some in the washing machine, so do not put any more clothes in the machine or they will get stained. Then start the washing machine, setting it on a short cycle and with cold water.
Turning garments inside out when washing can help preserve their color
Step 9. Dry the clothing to see the final color
You can hang your clothes out to dry or put them in the dryer, depending on the type of fabric and your personal preferences. In both cases, when drying is complete, examine the garments: check that the color is uniform and has not left marks; check that there are no lighter areas and evaluate if the final result satisfies you.
If necessary, you can dye them again
Method 4 of 4: Try Other Commonly Used Products
Step 1. Try adding baking soda in the washing machine to brighten the whiteness of your clothing
Baking soda is another essential, commonly used product that can help brighten up the color of your garments and is particularly effective on white fabrics. Just add 90g to the washing machine drum along with your clothes and regular detergent.
Baking soda is also great for neutralizing bad smells in your clothes
Step 2. Refresh the color of dark clothing by soaking it in coffee or tea
If you want an easy and inexpensive way to make dark garments color more intense and make them look like new, make 470ml of very strong black tea (or coffee) infusion. Put your clothes in the washing machine and wash them normally, but don't move away because when the rinse cycle starts, you will have to open the door of the washing machine and pour in the tea (or coffee). Finish the wash cycle, then hang your clothes out to dry.
Drying dark clothes in the dryer can cause them to fade faster
Step 3. Spice up the colors of your garments by adding black pepper to the wash
Place the clothes in the washing machine as you normally would, then add 2-3 tablespoons (about 8-12 g) of ground black pepper. This will make it easier for the detergent residues to dissolve. The pepper flakes will then be eliminated with the rinse cycle.
Step 4. Wash white garments in hydrogen peroxide to improve their appearance
After a few washes, your whites may appear dull, faded and you may be tempted to bleach them, but be aware that in the long run this operation can wear out and discolour the fabrics. Instead, try adding 240ml of hydrogen peroxide to your detergent, then wash your clothes as usual.
Advice
- You can combine some of these techniques for better results, for example by adding both salt and vinegar to the wash.
- To avoid discoloration of your garments, separate them by color, turn them inside out and wash them in cold water.
