Powdered laundry detergent is more likely to leave behind residue than liquid detergent.
You can add salt to every load of laundry, if you’d like. Regular table salt or ultra-fine pickling salts work well for this, but avoid coarse-ground sea salt, as it may not dissolve fully in the washing machine. Salt is also an effective stain remover, especially on blood, mildew, and sweat stains. [3] X Research source
You may need to redye your clothes if the color has washed out over time.
The vinegar will also prevent this buildup in the first place, so it’s a great way to keep your clothes color-fast while they’re still new. [6] X Research source If you want an even deeper clean, soak the clothing item in a solution of 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar and 1 gal (3. 8 L) of warm water for about 20-30 minutes before you wash it.
Choose the cycle that’s appropriate for the clothes you’re brightening. For instance, if you’re washing items made from a delicate material like silk or lace, you’d want to use a gentle wash. For more durable fabrics like cotton or denim, a normal wash is fine.
If a little of the smell does linger, either hang the item to dry outside or put a fabric softener sheet in the dryer. The smell should be gone by the time it’s dry. If your clothes still look faded, the dye might have washed out, so you may need to dye the clothes instead.
Clothing made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibers may not look as dark when they’re dyed as clothing made from an all-natural fabric. If the garment is made from acrylic, spandex, polyester, or metallic fibers, or if the tag says “Dry Clean Only,” it probably will not take dye well, if at all. If there are any spots or stains, the dye may not absorb evenly into the fabric, so make sure the clothes are clean.
If you want to change the color of your garment, you’ll likely need to use a color stripper first.
It’s important to protect your hands, because coming into contact with dye can irritate your skin. [11] X Research source
You’ll need about 3 US gal (11 L) of water for every 1 lb (0. 45 kg) of clothing. A bucket or pot is good for smaller items like thin tops, accessories, and children’s clothes. Use a plastic tub or washing machine for larger items like sweaters and jeans. [13] X Research source Most articles of clothing weigh about 0. 5-1 lb (0. 22-0. 4 kg). [14] X Research source
For easy cleanup, consider using a dowel or a plastic spoon to stir the dye in the smaller container. That way, you can just throw it away when you’re finished.
The more you stir, the more even the dye will be. Some people prefer to stir constantly, while others find it’s sufficient to just swish the clothing around every few minutes.
Remember, the color will look darker when the garment is wet, so take that into account when you’re checking to see if it’s ready! Clean your sink or tub immediately so the dye doesn’t stain it!
Turning the garment inside-out when you wash it may help preserve its color.
If you need to, you can dye the clothing again.
Baking soda is also a great way to deodorize your clothing![21] X Research source
Drying black clothes in the dryer can cause them to fade more quickly.
