How to Keep Clothes from Fading When Air-Drying on a Drying Line

How to Keep Clothes from Fading When Air-Drying on a Drying Line

Drying clothes on a line helps save energy and money, but it can be a challenge to keep clothes from fading. Luckily, there are tips and tricks to avoid fading and keep your clothes looking new while air-drying. In this article, we will guide you on how to keep clothes from fading when air-drying on a drying line.

1. Wash Clothes with Cold Water

Whether you're using a washing machine or washing by hand, always use cold water to wash clothes. Warm water can cause clothes to fade, especially dark and bright colored clothes. Always use detergent recommended for cold water and add half a cup of white vinegar to your wash cycle to help keep colors from fading.

2. Separate Clothes According to Weight

Separating clothes by weight and color before air-drying can prevent clothes from fading. Heavy clothes such as jeans and towels take longer to dry and can cause color transfer to lighter clothes. Avoid drying heavier clothes with lighter garments to prevent fading and bleeding.

3. Turn Clothes Inside Out

You might think that drying clothes right side out leads to less wrinkling, but its the opposite when it comes to preventing fading. Turning your clothes inside out prevents direct sunlight exposure to the main clothing fabric and the print. Direct sunlight fades away the clothes vibrant colors over time by removing the dyes. You can avoid sun damage by drying clothes inside out, and at the same time, iron the creases out once the clothes are dry.

4. Limit Sunlight Exposure

Direct sunlight is the primary reason why clothes fade. Therefore, it's essential to limit the time your clothes spend drying in the sun. Sunlight not only fades clothes but also degrades the fabric. As a result, hang your clothes on a line that's shaded and where the wind can still circulate. This way, your clothes can stay cool and dry evenly without direct sunlight.

5. Use a Fabric Softener

Fabric softener is a laundry product that can help prevent clothes fading when air-drying. Fabric softener works to create a barrier between the fabric and water, keeping colors from fading. As a bonus, fabric softener also softens clothes, reduces wrinkles, and reduces static electricity in your garments.

6. Avoid Overcrowding the Clothesline

When you overcrowd your drying line, the clothes won't dry evenly and might end up staying on the line longer than required. If you're looking to prevent clothes fading, avoid overcrowding the clothesline. Place the clothes a distance apart that they dont stick together as they dry, and avoid adding extra weight to the drying line.

7. Iron Your Clothes

Ironing clothes not only makes them more wrinkle-free but also helps to bring back the vibrancy of the color. After washing and drying, iron your clothes before storing or wearing them, and make sure to use a steam iron. Keep the temperature setting at a lower level to avoid burning the fabric.

Conclusion

Air-drying your clothes is a great way to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. However, if you want your clothes to look new, vibrant, and last longer, then you need to give them a bit of extra care. By using the tips shared in this article, you can keep clothes from fading when air-drying and keep them looking like new for a long time to come.