Among the many cons of hard water like damage to appliances and stain marks on dishes, fading of washed clothes is also a worrisome problem. You may have noticed that your clothes look stiff, dry and scratchy after you wash them, which is caused by hard water. Hard water contains a high concentration of Magnesium and Calcium that prevents the detergent from mixing with water properly. Resulting in the clothes getting halfway clean and mineral deposits and detergent residues on the clothes. Read on to know how you can keep the lustre and whiteness of your clothes intact by getting rid of hard water.
Hard Water and Laundry
Some of the laundry problems that most people experience include greying or yellowing of clothes and the fabric becoming hard in texture after washing. Sometimes, you can see white marks on your dark coloured clothes after the clothes dry. The cause of all these laundry problems is the hardness of the water. The high concentration of Magnesium and Calcium remain on your clothes even after the washing and drying process is complete.
Helpful Advice How to Prevent Clothes from Fading?
The solution to problems caused by the supply of hard water should not just be good but should be permanent too. Getting a water softener installed in your home is just what you need. A water softener works towards removing the hard water minerals from the supplied water, thereby making it soft. Using soft water for your laundry enhances the lustre and whiteness of your clothes. In addition to this, the colours of your clothes last longer even after many washes.
To preserve the vibrancy of your clothes and prevent them from fading, consider the following helpful advice:
1. Sort by Color
When doing laundry, separate dark and light-colored garments to prevent color bleeding. Wash like colors together to maintain their brightness.
2. Use Cold Water
Washing clothes in cold water is gentler on fabrics and helps retain color. Hot water can cause dyes to fade more quickly.
3. Choose the Right Detergent
Opt for a mild, color-safe detergent specifically designed for preserving colors. Avoid using bleach, as it can lead to fading.
4. Inside Out
Turn your clothes inside out before washing. This protects the outer fabric from friction and abrasion, which can cause fading.
5. Gentle Cycle
Use the gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine to minimize stress on your clothes. Avoid overloading the machine, as this can lead to fading due to increased friction.
6. Limit Sun Exposure
Excessive sunlight can cause fading, so dry your clothes in the shade or indoors, if possible. UV rays can be especially harsh on vibrant colors.
7. Avoid Overdrying
Over-drying in the dryer can weaken fabrics and fade colors. Remove clothes while they’re slightly damp and let them air dry to prevent this.
8. Store Properly
Hang your clothes or fold them neatly to prevent creases that can cause fading. Use wooden or padded hangers to avoid stretching and misshaping.
9. Repel Stains
Treat stains promptly to prevent excessive washing, which can cause colors to fade. Follow the care label’s instructions for stain removal.
10. Regular Maintenance
Check your clothes for wear and tear, such as loose threads or pilling, and address these issues promptly to extend their lifespan.
Also Read: How Water Softener can increase lifespan of Washing Machines?
Which Water Softener to Install?
There are different types of water softeners offered by KENT but the ones that can help your laundry-related issues are KENT Autosoft and KENT Washing Machine Water Softener. KENT Autosoft is a whole house water softener that provides soft water supply to your entire home, including your washing machine. If you feel it’s not just your clothes that need soft water, then you can opt for this one.
But if you specifically require soft water for your laundry needs, you may opt for KENT Washing Machine Water Softener, which is specifically designed to easily convert hard water into soft water using ion-exchange process. The compact design of KENT Washing Machine Water Softener ensures easy installation even in tight spaces. It uses a 4-step regeneration process, which helps it run efficiently with minimal efforts from your end. As the water softener converts hard water into soft, it prevents the building of scale along the wall of the machine. This in turn help in increasing the life and efficiency of the washing machine.
Read about all the features of KENT Washing Machine Water Softener and make the right choice for your home. Bring home a KENT water softener for your laundry needs and save your beautiful clothes from fading while they are still new.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What causes clothes to fade in the wash?
- Friction: Repeated rubbing and agitation during washing can cause the fabric’s dye to break down.
- Heat: High water temperatures can accelerate color loss, as can hot drying cycles.
- Harsh Detergents: Using detergents that are too harsh or contain bleach can strip away colors.
- Sunlight: Excessive exposure to UV rays can cause fading over time.
- Overwashing: Frequent washing, especially with abrasive fabrics, can wear out dyes.
2. Does salt prevent clothes from fading?
Salt can help reduce the fading of dark or bright-colored clothes. When added to the wash, salt can set the dyes and prevent them from bleeding as much. However, it may not completely prevent fading over time, and it’s not suitable for all fabrics. Following care label instructions, using a color-safe detergent, and limiting exposure to heat and sunlight are also crucial for preserving clothing colors.
3. What to do when clothes fade?
- Dye Clothes: Use fabric dye to restore or change the color of faded garments.
- Avoid Overwashing: Wash clothes inside out, in cold water, and with color-safe detergent to prevent further fading.
- Air Dry: Opt for air drying instead of using a dryer to minimize color loss.
- Store Wisely: Keep clothes away from direct sunlight and heat to slow down fading.
- TLC: Handle and launder faded clothes gently to extend their lifespan.