Washing Colored Fabric

Modern washing machines make the job of cleaning clothing easier than ever. Adjustable water temperatures and agitation speeds ensure that jeans, shirts and towels of all colors and fabrics are washed thoroughly and safely. By following just a few, simple tips when washing colored fabric, you safeguard against damage and improper washing.

Separate clothing

Before you even turn on the washer, sort your clothing. Create three piles: whites and very light-colored or faded clothing, jeans and dark-colored clothing and everything else. If you have any red items that you intend to wash for the first time, set these aside in their own pile; red tends to run when washed, and if you wash these items with other clothing, you may cause staining.

Read the label

There is a care label on nearly all articles of clothing. Familiarize yourself with these labels, and take care never to machine-wash a piece of clothing that is hand-wash or dry-clean only. Most colored fabrics are discolored by bleach, so ensure these pieces stay away from the bleach bottle, as well as surfaces that where bleach is used.

Set water temperature

As most clothing rarely sees heavy dirt build-up, it is advisable that you use cold water for washing your colored fabrics. Using cold water not only saves you money over hot water, it also protects fabrics from the harsh temperatures that lead to premature deterioration. If you find that you have heavily-soiled items, consider setting the washer to a longer agitation cycle or using warm water rather than hot.

Washing your own clothing at home is a great way to save money on laundromats and gives you clean clothes whenever needed. Take care of clothing by washing in the appropriate temperatures and ensure a long clothing life.