All my clothes fade really quickly!

[Memoo]

What am I doing wrong!?

It's not like I even wash them that often as I'm a crap housewife!

Do you use Bio Powder? It's harsh, try non-bio. Also reduce the temp at which you wash. And if you have the time or energy, turn your clothes inside out-yes, really!!!

Watching with interest. Same problem but no idea.

Unless... Hardness/ mineral content of water? Would that have an effect, I wonder

I wash colours on a quick 30 cycle with detergent for colours. Everything else on a longer with non-bio liquid. i found the same when i used powder so switched to liquid.

I do use bio! I wash at about 40 usually.

is it liquid? I found my machine cycle too long (3hrs!) so changed it to quick wash ( 60mins).

You need detergent for colours. I use a special one for black and denim too - M&S do one but think other supermarkets do too.

Powders usually contain bleaching agents to make whites look brighter. Persil really does "wash whiter"

For colours you need either a powder-for-colours, or a liquid (the liquids do not contain bleach so are not as good for whites)

If you use liquids and do mostly low-temp washes, you machine will accumulate soap sludge and will need an occasional HOT HOT HOT white cotton wash to clean it.

I use one powder for black & dark items, one for colours and anther for white items. Sounds like a whole load of faffing about, but it means my DD's school uniforms stay dark blue and my black jeans stay black. I also use half the recommended amount of powder.

I also was jeans inside out, that helps to protect the colour.

Most non biological liquids/powders contain bleaches so will make your clothes fade.

Normal biological detergents also contain bleaches.

If you want to avoid fading you need to use colour care products and dry away from bright sunlight.

100% cotton always fades. I re-dye black and navy items with Dylon - amazing stuff!

I always use colour powder (Persil or Ariel) for anything other than white.

My mum reckons that putting clothes on radiators to dry makes them fade really fast, I don't know whether it's true though

Wash inside out, on a short daily wash (unless sheets, towels and underwear) do not tumble and do not use whiter than white, bio or oxyclean etc.

Washing inside out and not tumble drying can really really help.

Bio powders have an optical brightener in them. it is really aimed at white clothes. The effect is just that - optical. It can make colours look faded. The effect can be reversed by using a colour powder or liquid for a few washes. I know this because I went to the textile lab at the big retailer I used to work for millions of years ago

That's true for the standard bio powders - that's why they also make the colour care ones

Wash everything inside out (I hang things up inside out until they're worn as well as then I know what's clean and what's been worn, but apparently this is insane neat-freakery). Also never wash above 30 and use Ecover or Method. Usually use delicate cycle for all clothes, too. Never tumble dry anything other than undies.