Steve Collins, a laundry expert based in Atlanta, US, highlights common errors people make when washing and caring for dark garments.
Using hot water is a common pitfall. While many believe hot water is more effective at removing stains, high temperatures cause clothes to lose color quickly. Research published in the journal Dyes and Pigments indicates that dye fading accelerates significantly when water temperature rises from 20 to 40 degrees C. Therefore, cold water is the most suitable choice for washing dark clothes to minimize fading.
Beyond temperature, hard water can also leave residue on clothes. Additionally, some detergents contain brightening and whitening agents, which can make dark items fade more easily, especially when mixed with various types of clothing.
Failing to sort clothes before washing is another critical mistake. Dark-colored items, such as black clothing, should be washed together in a separate load. Deep colors like red and purple belong in another load, while light-colored items, whites, khaki pants, and beige pants should also be separated.
In addition to color, sorting by fabric type is essential. Avoid washing polyester sportswear with cotton shirts, as different materials create strong friction during agitation in the washing machine, causing fabric fibers to degrade quickly. The American Cleaning and Fabric Care Association states that proper sorting helps reduce the risk of color bleeding and pilling.
High-heat drying is also detrimental. The intense heat from a dryer not only causes fabric to lose color quickly but also makes any remaining stains adhere more firmly. The fabric care organization The Laundress notes that high temperatures cause dark fibers to lose their depth after multiple uses.
To mitigate this, expert Steve Collins advises selecting the lowest heat setting when using a dryer for dark clothes, or prioritizing natural air drying.
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