Really boring question about detergent!

[Butfirstcaffeine]

Sorry for posting in S+B but it's kind of related.... All my clothes are looking so faded. Tried all the colour care brands and low temp washes, I need help, where am I going wrong? Don't want to get new clothes before figuring out how to prevent them fading! Tia xx

The only way not to fade clothes through washing is to wash less often. If they're not dirty after wearing, try airing them rather than washing them. If you have to wash, use the shortest, gentlest cycle with the least possible amount of gentle detergent. Dry out of the sun (at least that one's usually straightforward in the UK!)

As above.

If you routinely use a dryer that will be another thing that’s really wearing on clothing.

I only wash on high temp/long cycles for bedding/towels, underwear/socks, and the odd very filthy item.

Everything else is washed on 40 degrees, or more gently as necessary, on short cycles. I rewear most things at least once.

Thanks! We spent the winter basically covered in mud and the little people are always putting sticky hands and food everywhere so you're right I have been washing a lot.... Maybe the short cycle is the way to go? Thank you 😊

Some detergents are apparently better for not losing colour. I think Which did an article on it. I think it was Ariel colour and Daz..... I’ve been using Ariel colour on that basis!

Also turn clothes inside out before washing
Short washes may not be as effective at cleaning as they use less water

Yeah if you’re constantly muddy you will likely have to continue with the long washes.

Definitely less washing.

We are a very muddy family too, and find mud comes out no bother on a 30 degrees half hour wash (with bio). If your washing machine doesn't manage this, is it old and rubbish?

Or could you reserve a set of 'outdoors' clothes which you allow to become muddy all week and then wash once? And keep other clothes clean?

Washing machine is a year old so hopefully that's not the issue. I put the puddlesuits on the littles all the time, yet the mud is everywhere 😂I will give the ariel a go. And the washing inside out might be another thing that helps, I usually turn jeans inside out but tops kind of get chucked in any old way! X

Don't dry I the sun

In

Definitely turn them inside out, it makes a big difference.

If you are drying in the sun, put the pack of a t-shirt facing the sun.

Brush off dry mud then a short cool wash.

back not pack.

Oh yes I wash everything inside out!

Are you using non bio or bio? Bio fades way more than non bio. I don't bother with colour detergents. I use bio for whites and pales and non bio for everything else

Bio and non bio powders both contain bleaches so I doubt there is much difference between the 2. Liquids don't have bleaches