10 Laundry Mistakes That Make Your Clothes Fade Faster

There’s nothing more disappointing than watching your favorite shirt fade or seeing a once-vibrant towel lose its brightness. No matter how carefully you do your laundry, fading still seems inevitable. But is it? Not necessarily. Your laundry habits could be causing your colors to fade, whether you realize it or not. So, if you want to keep your laundry looking fresh and vibrant, avoid these 10 mistakes that can accelerate color fading.

You Aren’t Following Garment Care Instructions

Every garment is supposed to be washed in a specific way, and if you don’t follow those specifications, you risk ruining it. “This is especially true for dark blues and dark reds,” says Taylor Sutherland, president of Charlie’s Soap. “The best way to slow [fading] down is to follow the garment care instructions—especially with what it states about agitation and water temperature. How the dye behaves will depend on the fabric, and washing instructions will vary with different types of fabrics.”

Alicia Sokolowski, president and CEO of AspenClean, says following the wash cycle recommended on the care tag also plays a major role in terms of wear and tear. “Aggressive cycles with high-speed agitation or extended wash times can break down fabric fibers and strip away color more quickly,” she says.

You’re Using Harsh Detergents

Pete He, PhD, co-founder and chief scientist of Dirty Labs says harsh chemicals tend to deteriorate textile materials and dye fixation over time. So, choosing less harsh, botanical-based detergents can be a better choice.

There’s Too Much Detergent

Sokolowski says you can have too much of a good thing when it comes to detergent. “Overusing detergent can also be a problem, as it leaves behind a residue that dulls fabrics and speeds up the fading process,” she says.

So, follow the exact directions on the bottle for how much laundry detergent to use—and for most loads that’s about 1/2 an ounce to one ounce.

You’re Using Additives

You might love making your laundry smell extra clean, but using scent booster products and other additives could cause your clothes to fade faster. “Certain laundry additives, such as the fatty matter from fabric softeners and optic brighteners from detergents, are designed to be deposited on the laundry fabrics after washing and rinsing,” He says. “They are left as a thin film on the clothes and linens.” So, if you’re worried about your laundry fading, avoid the extra additions and just use color-safe detergent.

Your Water Is Hard

Sokolowski says water quality plays a major role in how well fabrics hold their color. “Hard water, which contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, can cause fabrics to feel rough and accelerate color fading over time,” she says. “These minerals weaken fabric fibers, making them more prone to wear.”

However, soft water can cause problems as well. “On the other hand, soft water is gentler on clothes but can also cause issues if too much detergent is used,” Sokolowski says. “Excess detergent in soft water may not rinse out properly, leading to residue buildup that strips color from fabrics.” So, it’s important to keep an eye on this if you have soft water, and make sure your clothes are getting fully clean when they come out of the wash.

Your Wash Is Too Hot

There’s a time and place to use the hot cycle, such as washing towels when someone is sick or if you’re dealing with heavily soiled clothes. But if you always use hot water when running a load of laundry, your clothes will fade faster and will likely have a shorter lifespan. “Hot water opens up fabric fibers, making it easier for the dye to leave, ultimately leading to faster fading,” says Sokolowski. “Cold water helps maintain color by keeping fibers closed and therefore reducing dye loss. Washing clothes in cold water, especially dark or brightly colored items, is a simple and effective way to prevent fading and extend the life of your wardrobe.”

The Machine Is Overloaded

You might be tempted to cram that extra hoodie or towel into the washing machine but just know your clothing won’t get as clean, which can also lead to fading. “Overloading the machine also contributes to fading by preventing proper rinsing, leaving behind detergent residue that dulls and discolors fabrics,” says Sokolowski. “Selecting a gentle cycle, allowing enough space for clothes to move freely, helps protect their color.”

Excessive Washing

Did you throw on a fresh pair of jeans just to go out for a quick errand? Don’t put them in the laundry just yet. “Frequently repeated or prolonged washing applies too much mechanical force and friction to laundry fibers, which accelerates textile deformation and color bleeding,” says He.

You Used The Wrong Dryer Setting

While it might be tempting to dry on high (especially if you’re in a rush), He advises against it to avoid fading. “High temperatures from the dryer can further damage fibers and accelerate color fading over time,” He says. Low or medium heat is your best bet for most garments.

Drying Your Clothes in the Sun

Hang drying can be a great way to prevent color fading from excessive dryer heat. However, be advised that you could run into more issues if you decide to hang your clothes to dry outside. “If drying outdoors, keep clothes out of direct sunlight to avoid UV fading,” Sokolowski says.