Learn all about colour retention in textiles
Read all about colour retention in textiles. On most natural textile fibres, colours gradually fade through washing. This can happen because the colour runs out of the fabric when it's wet, or because the detergent forms a layer on the textile that makes the colour look dull.
Both problems can be solved with the same product, vinegar.
Vinegar
To prevent the colour from running, you should soak the fabric for some time in cold water mixed with vinegar before wearing and washing it for the first time. The vinegar helps fix the colour, so it fades less quickly during washing.
We do recommend testing the effect of vinegar on a less visible part of the item first, as some fabrics or dyes may react differently to vinegar. It's also not recommended for delicate fabrics like silk.
Vintage clothing
On older items that have been washed multiple times, you can use the same method to remove residue from your detergent. This will make the colour look brighter again.
We recommend once more testing the effect of vinegar on a less visible part of the item first, as some fabrics or dyes may react differently to vinegar. It's also not recommended for delicate fabrics like silk.
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