Hanging Clothes in the Sun Without Making Them Fade, You Have to Do This

Summer is known as the season of colors, liveliness, and happiness. Speaking of colors, our wardrobes are filled with bright shades. Taking advantage of the sun, we hang our clothes in the open air to let them dry quickly. However, exposing them to the sun’s rays could cause them to fade. To prevent this from happening, just use some simple tricks. Let’s take a look at them.

Useful Tricks to Prevent Colored Clothes from Fading

Properly separating colored clothes is the first step in preventing fading. Sort your clothes based on color and fabric type. Group dark colors like navy or black together and wash them as a set. Likewise, lighter shades such as white or yellow should be washed separately. Don’t forget to consult the care label for washing guidelines as well.

Use a specific detergent for colored clothes to preserve their color. Avoid products containing chlorine or optical brighteners, which may lead to color loss. Instead, opt for a gentle or specialized detergent designed for colored fabrics.

Properly adjusting the washing temperature can significantly impact the longevity of fabric colors. In general, washing colored clothes at lower temperatures can help preserve the color. Try washing your garments in cold water or at temperatures under 86 degrees Fahrenheit (or 30 degrees Celsius). Moreover, refrain from using hot water, especially for delicate or sensitive fabrics.

Before putting the clothes in the washing machine, turn them inside out. This minimizes direct fabric contact with water and contributes to preserving the original color for a longer duration. Additionally, this advice is particularly beneficial for garments featuring delicate prints or embellishments.

Avoid drying colored clothes in direct sunlight. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to color fading. Opt for a shaded spot or a well-ventilated area for drying your clothes. You might even consider using a dedicated drying rack indoors. If you have the choice of when to air dry your clothes, try to avoid the hottest part of the day. Choose early morning or evening when the temperature is cooler.

To keep colored items from rubbing against each other during drying, you can create space by using towels or blankets as dividers. Place a cloth between the items or wrap them in a towel before hanging them out. This precautionary step prevents abrasion and potential color transfer between fabrics.

Once your clothes are dry, try to quickly remove them from the clothesline. Leaving garments outdoors for too long can expose them to external factors such as sunlight, wind, or dust, which can affect the durability of the colors.

There are specific products to be used during washing to protect colored garments. These products can be added directly to the washing machine or used as a protective spray. They function by forming a protective layer around the fabric fibers, effectively preserving the color of the garments.