Clothes often lose their brightness after just a few washes. If you want to keep your clothes looking new, it’s essential to take extra care when washing them. Despite not being the first thing in your mind, keeping your clothes bright is vital for maintaining your wardrobe and looking good. Looking faded can make you look unkempt and sloppy. Hence, it is essential to ensure your clothes stay looking their best. This is because brightening your clothes saves you money in the long run. You won’t have to replace your clothes as often, and you’ll always look sharp.
Some of the brightening detergents are cheap, and you probably already have some in your home. Therefore, there is no need to spend extra money on brightening your clothes. However, if you want to buy a brightening detergent, check the reviews first. Not all brightening detergents are suitable for your clothes. Some of them can damage the fabric.
Now, let us look at some of the ways on how to brighten clothes in the wash:
How to Whiten Clothes
Colors fade over time and multiple washes. This is due to the breakdown of fabric and dye. However, there are some ways you can keep your clothes looking new for longer.
1. Check the Care Label Before Washing
The first step is always to check the care label on your clothes. Different fabrics have different washing instructions. For example, some clothes should be washed in cold water while others can tolerate hot water. Washing your clothes at the wrong water temperature can cause them to fade. Also, make sure to check the settings on your washing machine. Some washers have different settings for different types of clothes. If you’re not sure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and use the gentle cycle.
2. Turn Your Clothes Inside Out Before Washing
Experts point out that turning your clothes inside out before washing them can help preserve the color. The tumbling action of the washing machine can cause clothes to fade. When you turn your clothes inside out, the tumbling action will happen on the wrong side, and your clothes will be better protected. When you hang your clothes on the clothesline, turn them back correctly so they can dry evenly.
3. Only Wash When Necessary
This is another simple way of keeping your clothes looking new. Washing your clothes too often can cause them to fade. If you’re not going to wear the clothes again soon, don’t wash them. You can also air them out instead of washing them. This will help preserve the color and fabric of your bright colored clothes. Wipe off any dirt or stains with a damp cloth instead of throwing the clothes in the wash.
4. Soak Clothes in Salt Water
Salt is another cheap and environment-friendly way of brightening your clothes. Soak your clothes in salt water for about 30 minutes before washing them. Fill your washer with 1/4 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of water. Then, add your clothes and let them soak. In the morning, add the detergent and wash your clothes as usual. You can also add extra clothes to the load. The salt will help preserve the color of your clothes and prevent them from fading.
5. Wash in Cold Water
It is always better to wash your clothes in cold water. This is because hot water can cause clothes to shrink and fade. If you’re using a washing machine, set it to the gentle or delicate cycle and use cold water. If you’re washing your clothes by hand, ensure the water is not too hot. You can also soak your clothes in cold water for a few minutes before washing them. This will help preserve the color and fabric of your clothes.
6. Break Out White Vinegar
White vinegar is another cheap and effective way of brightening your clothes. You can add it to the washing machine or soak your clothes in it for a few minutes. One tablespoon of vinegar and a quarter cup of water is all you need. Then, wash your clothes as usual. The vinegar will help preserve the color of your clothes and make clothes look brighter. You can also use distilled vinegar for this purpose.
7. Do Not Overdry
Another simple way of preserving the color of your clothes is not to overdry them. When clothes are overdried, they can fade and shrink. If using a clothes dryer, set it to the low heat setting. You can also air dry your clothes on a clothesline or hanger. This will help preserve the color of your clothes and make them last longer.
8. Add Tea or Coffee
Add two cups of brewed tea or coffee to your wash cycle. This will help preserve the color of your clothes and make them look brighter. Just make sure to use a mild detergent so it doesn’t damage your clothes. You can also add a cup of white vinegar to the mix. This will help set the color of your clothes and make them last longer.
How to Brighten Clothes With Bleach
White clothes can turn yellow over time. This is because of the interaction between the fabric and the oxygen in the air. You can use bleach to brighten your clothes and make them look new. Common bleaches include hydrogen peroxide, oxygen bleach, and chlorine bleach, breaking up stains via oxidation. Bleaches turn stains colorless, while detergents remove stains.
Chlorine bleaches are used for bleachable and white colors. Before using the bleach, read labels to see if the clothing is safe for chlorine bleach. If you’re not sure, test a small, hidden area first. Add 3/4 cup chlorine bleach to a gallon of cool water to start your washing. Soak your clothing in the mixture for about five minutes. If the clothes need more time, leave them in longer. Afterward, rinse your clothing thoroughly and dry them in the sun if possible.
Note that chlorine bleach can produce dangerous fumes, so be sure to open windows and doors for ventilation. In addition, never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as this can create toxic fumes.
Hydrogen peroxide and oxygen bleach are essential for whitening. They are safer and less toxic than chlorine bleach, making them safer for dyes and fabrics. Hydrogen peroxide is essential for brightening and is available at most drugstores. It is vital to remove stains such as blood and grass. You don’t have to worry about ventilation using hydrogen peroxide, as it is safe. Also, be careful when using it on darker colors, as it may cause them to fade.
To use hydrogen peroxide, start by mixing one part hydrogen peroxide with 10 parts water in a bucket. Submerge the clothing in the mixture and let it soak for about an hour. Afterward, rinse your clothing thoroughly and wash them as usual. You can also add a cup of hydrogen peroxide to your washing machine and regular detergent.
Oxygen bleach is a natural alternative to chlorine bleach. It is effective at brightening and whitening clothes. Oxygen bleach is available at most drugstores and can be used on colorfast and non-colorfast fabrics. Mix one part of oxygen bleach with five parts of water in a bucket to use oxygen bleach.
Bluing Laundry Liquid
Some laundry liquids and powders contain bluing. Bluing is a laundry additive that helps brighten whites and make them look new. Bluing is made up of ferric ferrocyanide, Prussian blue, and water. This liquid provides subtle blue color to your clothes, which helps them look brighter. To use bluing, add it to your washing machine and your regular detergent.
Manufacturers use bluing because it is relatively inexpensive and easy to use. In addition, bluing is also effective at brightening your clothes. Make sure to add it to your wash cycle before adding your clothes. You can also find bluing in the form of laundry sheets. These are convenient and easy to use. Just toss them into your washing machine along with your clothes.
Bluing agents cannot be used together with chlorine bleach, which will cause your clothes to turn green. If you’re using a laundry powder that contains bluing, make sure to use non-chlorine bleach. You can also purchase bluing agents and add them to your laundry cycle.
Best Detergent for Black Clothes
Black clothes can be challenging to keep looking new. They tend to fade quickly and can develop a dull appearance. Use a detergent specifically designed for dark colors to keep your black clothes looking their best. These detergents help to preserve the color of your clothes and prevent them from fading.
In addition, always wash your black clothes in cold water. Hot water can cause black clothes to fade. When drying your black clothes, use the low heat setting on your dryer. High heat can also cause fading. You can also hang your black clothes to dry to prevent them from shrinking.
If you’re looking for a detergent that is specifically designed for dark colors, try the following products:
1. Woolite Darks Liquid Laundry Detergent
This laundry detergent is designed specifically for dark-colored clothes. It helps to preserve the color of your clothes and prevent them from fading. This detergent is also safe for all types of fabrics. In addition, it is gentle on your clothes and will not cause them to shrink.
To use this detergent, add it to your washing machine along with your regular detergent. You can also use it in the sink for hand-washing. This laundry detergent is available in a variety of sizes.
- WOOLITE DARKS DEFENSE is a first of its kind formula that protects synthetics and blends from damage in the wash, perfect for your favorite jeans, leggings, yoga pants, and go-to blouse
- PROTECTS FROM fading, pilling for up to 20 washes and stretching for up to 6 washes
- KEEPS YOUR CLOTHES LOOKING LIKE NEW for up to 20 washes, combination of ingredients to gently clean stains, while protecting your clothes (protects against fading for up to 20 washes)
- FREE FROM Optical Brighteners, Phosphates, Bleach, and Dyes
- GOOD FOR BOTH regular and HE washing machine
2. Tide Plus Cold Water Formula
Tide Plus Cold Water Formula is another laundry detergent designed explicitly for dark-colored clothes. It helps to preserve the color of your clothes and prevent them from fading. This detergent is also safe for all types of fabrics. In addition, it is gentle on your clothes and will not cause them to shrink.
When using a washing machine, add this detergent with your regular detergent. You can also use it in the sink for hand-washing. Tide Plus Cold Water Formula is available in a variety of sizes.
- When used in a cold water wash, it can remove even stubborn stains better than the leading competitive liquid detergent in warm water
- Tide Coldwater provides a deep clean cold water, making it the coolest way to clean
- Can also save energy and money by lowering your heating bills
- Tide Coldwater provides a deep clean cold water, making it the coolest way to clean
3. Gain Original Scent Liquid Laundry Detergent
This laundry detergent is another option that is designed explicitly for dark-colored clothes. It helps to preserve the color of your clothes and prevent them from fading. This detergent is also safe for all types of fabrics. In addition, it is gentle on your clothes and will not cause them to shrink.
Therefore, add this detergent with your regular detergent when using a washing machine. You can also use it in the sink for hand-washing. Gain Original Scent Liquid Laundry Detergent is available in a variety of sizes.
- Smells great because it cleans great!
- 6 weeks of freshness from wash until wear
- Works in all washing machines even in cold water
- Keep out of reach of children
4. Powder Detergent
Powder detergents are another option that you have for laundry care. When dealing with black clothes, powder detergents can be a good choice. These detergents are designed specifically for dark-colored clothes. They help to preserve the color of your clothes and prevent them from fading.
Powder detergents are also safe for all types of fabrics. In addition, they are gentle on your clothes and will not cause them to shrink. To use these detergents, add them to your washing machine and your regular detergent. You can also use them in the sink for hand-washing.
Powder detergents are available in a variety of sizes. In addition, they come in different scents. Some popular powder detergent brands include Gain, Tide, and Arm & Hammer.
- Activated Baking Soda To Help Eliminate Odors
- Tough on Stains
- Great Everyday Value
- Leaves Laundry Smelling Fresh
- Scent: Alpine Clean
Takeaway
Brightening colors can be complex. Black is a bold and beautiful choice, but it doesn’t always stay that way. Washing with cold water and using a dark-specific detergent will help preserve your clothes’ color. You can also hand-wash or use the delicate cycle on your washing machine to be extra careful. Always remember that bright colors may require some extra TLC. But with the proper laundry care, your clothes will look their best.
