Top Tips to Prevent Clothes Fade and Keep Them Looking New
Washing your favourite clothes doesn’t have to mean colour wash them fade into a sad, muted version of their former selves. In this post, we’ll share simple yet effective ways to how to keep black or colour clothes from fading. Whether it's sticking to cold washes, choosing the right laundry detergent, or turning your clothes inside out (yes, that works!), you’ll find plenty of tips to keep your wardrobe looking its best. Let’s save those bright reds, deep blacks, and sunny yellows together—because nobody likes faded jeans, right?
Wash in Cold Water
Hot water might seem like a good idea for a deep clean, but it’s one of the biggest culprits behind fading fabrics. Cold water is much gentler on colours and helps keep fibres strong. Plus, it’s better for the environment—saving energy and reducing your bills. Win-win, right?
Pro Tip: Pair cold water with a detergent specially formulated for colours. It’ll give your clothes an extra boost of protection!
Turn Clothes Inside Out
This might seem like an odd step, but it really works. The tumbling and agitation in your washing machine cause friction, which can wear down the outer surface of your clothes, dulling their colours. Turning them inside out shields the outside from direct contact.
Pro Tip: Be extra careful with dark denim—this trick is a lifesaver for your favourite pair of jeans.
Image credit: Pexel
Avoid Overloading Your Machine
We get it—cramming all your laundry into one load feels efficient. But overloading your washing machine is bad news for your clothes. With less room to move around, fabrics rub against each other more, causing fading and wear.
Pro Tip: Keep it light. A full machine might mean fewer loads, but it’s a shortcut to faded shirts and dull trousers.
Tangent GC | Kiyomi Organic Everyday Detergent
Choose a Gentle Detergent
Not all laundry detergents are created equal. Some contain harsh chemicals that strip colour faster than a bad dye job. Opt for gentle, eco-friendly detergents that are specifically designed to protect fabrics while keeping colours intact.
Pro Tip: At Detoorp, we recommend Tangent GC | Kiyomi Organic Everyday Detergent and Hetkinen | Laundry Vinegar. It’s not only eco-friendly but also perfect for protecting colours and neutralising odours in one go.
Dry Smartly
The sun might be great for your soul, but it’s terrible for your clothes. UV rays are a natural bleach, and leaving your vibrant garments out to bake is a one-way ticket to Faded Town. Air drying indoors or using a low-heat tumble dryer will help maintain your colours.
Pro Tip: If you’re drying outside, hang clothes in the shade. Bonus: this also reduces shrinkage!
Taking care of your clothes doesn’t have to be complicated. With these simple changes, you’ll protect your favourite pieces from unnecessary fading, making them last longer and look better. After all, a little TLC for your wardrobe goes a long way—both for your style and your wallet. Happy washing!