Sorting single-coloured clothing is easy, but what to do when light and dark stripes meet in one fabric? Improper washing can cause the lighter parts to absorb colour from the darker ones, and the pattern will lose its contrast. If you want your striped pieces to stay like new and free from unwanted stains, just follow a few basic rules.
Colour Test Before Washing
High-quality clothing should have stable colours, but with new pieces, it’s always better to test their colour fastness.
- Hand test: Moisten a small area of the fabric with lukewarm water and press it against a light cotton cloth. If the fabric releases colour, it’s advisable to stabilize the colours before washing.
- Color stabilization: You can soak the clothing in cold water with a tablespoon of vinegar before washing. Vinegar helps set the colours and reduces the risk of the bleeding.
Basic Rules For Washing Striped Clothing
1. Check the Label
Each manufacturer may recommend a different washing method. If the label states "hand wash only" or "wash in cold water," follow these instructions to avoid damaging the fabric.
2. Wash Inside Out on a Gentle Cycle
Turning the clothing inside out reduces mechanical wear and prevents rapid fading. Also, choose a gentle cycle with low spin speed (ideally up to 800 rpm).
3. Use Gentle Detergents
Strong detergents can cause colour fading. For striped clothing, a detergent designed for coloured laundry is ideal. Avoid using detergents with bleach – they may lighten the darker stripes.
4. Set the Correct Temperature
Colours are most likely to bleed in hot water. Therefore, it is ideal to wash striped clothing at 30°C, and no higher than 40°C.
5. Use Dye-Trapping Sheets
If the stripes have an even distribution of light and dark colours, wash them with light-coloured clothes and use dye-trapping sheets. When one colour dominates, follow the shade of that colour.