Clothes fading, is this my washer, or my laundry det?

boylema

I feel like my clothes & sheets fade super fast. I wear & wash my scrubs a lot, obviously, but even my new ones seem to fade quickly. We have a relatively old Whirlpool washer/dryer, but they get the job done. I use All free & clear det, & Target brand free dryer sheets. We wash almost everything on a warm/cold setting & dry on a low heat cycle. Ive even tried to not put my scrub tops & other things in the dryer to see if that helps, or wash stuff inside out & it doesn't seem to make a difference...Then again, who knows if its just the timing of when I decided to start doing that, if the clothes were already faded, the damage was already done..?

 

 

TarHeels&Rebels

Do your clothes other than scrubs fade quickly?  I can't speak to those since I've never worn them, but maybe they aren't made with the highest quality materials and dyes since they're meant to be messed up.

I use Wisk in a newer washer and don't have any problems.

sierramist_03

I am not sure if its you washer. I would probably say laundry Soap. I don't notice my srubs fading. I wash on cold and use purex hypo laundry soap. I do have some scrubs fading but they are almost 4 years old. My washer is older from Craigslist but its a kenmore

boylema

TarHeels&Rebels:

Do your clothes other than scrubs fade quickly?  I can't speak to those since I've never worn them, but maybe they aren't made with the highest quality materials and dyes since they're meant to be messed up.

Yes, I've noticed my sheets & 2 pairs of capris (navy blue & brown), amongst some other things. I thought that too about my scrubs...& b/c I wash them so often...I have favorites that I wear weekly so they get washed all the time.

boylema

sierramist_03:

I am not sure if its you washer. I would probably say laundry Soap. I don't notice my srubs fading. I wash on cold and use purex hypo laundry soap. I do have some scrubs fading but they are almost 4 years old. My washer is older from Craigslist but its a kenmore

Hm....thanks for the input!! I guess the cheapest soln to this problem is to start by switching my detergent! Aside from replacing my entire wardrobe...which would never happen b/c I loathe shopping...& I never find anything anyways! Lol!

Knitty

My clothes don't fade and I use that detergent.

lanyac

I used the same detergent you've used, and I've never noticed fading, but I always have my drier set on "tap cold" unless its gross dog vomit or something. 

Sisugal

Are your scrubs all dark colors?

Do you turn your colored items inside out?

I use vinegar in my wash (in the bleach dispense), turn items inside out and only have fading issues after a large number of washes.

offbeatmama

It's probably your wash routine. I'd switch to cold water only. Add your detergent then let it dissolve in the water for a minute. Turn your darker clothes inside out and wash. Also make sure you're sorting clothes (darks, lights, whites, etc.). I use that detergent and have never had any fading issues.

GingerSB

Sisugal:

Are your scrubs all dark colors?

Do you turn your colored items inside out?

I use vinegar in my wash (in the bleach dispense), turn items inside out and only have fading issues after a large number of washes.

This. And i wash all colors and darks in cold water.  

adhdfashion

I would try cold water, Woolite for dark colors, and low heat on the dryer setting. 

* I also use All Free and Clear and have no problems. I only use cold water, barring child barf or poop. It could be a soap and your water combo. 

bim38106

I agree w/ what pps have said... I also wanted to add that I've read that using too much detergent will also fade clothes. Maybe try using a little less in addition to washing in cold and using vinegar as a fabric softener..