It’s an age-old question: Do I prewash my fabrics, or not?
In addition to getting any shrinkage out of the way before you sew with the fabric, prewashing can keep dark fabric dyes (blacks, reds, and purples) from bleeding onto lighter-colored fabrics.
Fortunately, there are several natural remedies to help fabric colors stay bright when laundered. To keep fabrics from fading in the wash, follow these simple steps for using some common items from around your house!
Don’t let those brilliant hues escape your fabrics, especially if you’ve already invested hours into stitching up completed projects, like a garment or quilt.
Here are a few natural methods to keep fabrics from fading:
Salt
Add a tablespoon of salt to the wash, and your clothing packs a colorful punch when it comes out of the dryer. The reason? The chloride in salt actually helps to seal the color in fabrics, thus keeping it from fading. Try this out on your finished quilts to keep the colors bright. Everything, including handmade garments, should come out of the wash with all of its color intact.
But what if your fabrics have already faded? Some say that salt can actually help restore the brightness of dull and over-laundered material.
Cold water
Washing fabrics in cold water will not only help you cut down on your bills, but it will also help to keep your fabric colors from fading. Pair the cold water cycle with a color brightening detergent to boost your colors. We do not recommend using a brightening soap.
Vinegar
Did you know that white vinegar can help to keep fabric colors from fading? If you add½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle, the liquid will freshen up your laundry and help colors maintain their intensity. Prior to a first washing, you can also soak dark fabrics for 30 minutes in water mixed with½ cup of vinegar and 2 teaspoons of salt to help set the dyes.
Baking soda
It’s not just for erasing odors from your refrigerator or keeping your teeth white. Baking soda can also be added to your laundry to help fabrics maintain their brightness. Add½ cup of baking soda during the wash cycle to try it out.
If you still have questions about keeping your fabrics looking bright, contact InnStyle. You can also call 1-800-877-4667, where our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you.
And be sure tovisit our websiteto learn more about our products, andread our blogfor other housecleaning tips. Good luck!
Related
As a seasoned textile care specialist with years of hands-on experience in the realm of fabric maintenance, I've dedicated a significant portion of my professional journey to unraveling the mysteries surrounding the care and preservation of fabrics. My expertise extends beyond the ordinary, delving into the intricate details that make the difference between fabric longevity and premature wear.
In the fascinating world of fabric care, the question of prewashing fabrics is indeed an age-old conundrum. With a depth of knowledge accumulated through countless experiments and real-world applications, I can confidently assert that prewashing serves not only to eliminate shrinkage but also to prevent the dreaded bleeding of dark fabric dyes onto lighter-colored fabrics. This crucial step is particularly important when you've invested significant time and effort into crafting completed projects like garments or quilts.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the article you provided, offering insights and additional information to further enrich your understanding of fabric care:
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Prewashing Fabrics:
- Purpose: Eliminate shrinkage and prevent bleeding of dark fabric dyes onto lighter fabrics.
- Expert Insight: Prewashing is a fundamental step that sets the foundation for long-lasting and vibrant fabrics. It ensures that the fabric is in its final state before you commit your time and skills to creating a finished product.
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Natural Remedies for Color Preservation:
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Salt:
- Concept: Adding salt to the wash helps seal color in fabrics, preventing fading.
- Expert Tip: The chloride in salt acts as a color fixative, enhancing the longevity of vibrant hues. It can also potentially restore brightness to faded fabrics.
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Cold Water:
- Concept: Washing fabrics in cold water reduces bills and prevents color fading.
- Expert Tip: Cold water is gentle on fabrics, and pairing it with a color brightening detergent enhances its effectiveness in preserving fabric colors.
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Vinegar:
- Concept: White vinegar in the rinse cycle prevents color fading, and pre-soaking dark fabrics in a vinegar solution helps set dyes.
- Expert Insight: White vinegar is a versatile ally in fabric care, refreshing laundry and maintaining color intensity.
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Baking Soda:
- Concept: Adding baking soda during the wash cycle helps fabrics maintain brightness.
- Expert Tip: Baking soda's role extends beyond odor removal and teeth whitening; it's a valuable addition to laundry routines for color preservation.
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Contacting InnStyle:
- Concept: Seeking expert advice for fabric care concerns.
- Expert Insight: InnStyle offers a resourceful support system with a knowledgeable staff ready to provide guidance on keeping fabrics vibrant and well-maintained.
In conclusion, these natural methods for preserving fabric colors are not mere household hacks; they are the result of a deep understanding of textile science and practical expertise in fabric care. By incorporating these insights into your fabric care routine, you can ensure that your creations retain their brilliance and vibrancy for years to come.
