When it comes to doing laundry, one of the biggest challenges is figuring out how to wash clothes with stripes. Whether they are black and white stripes or colored ones, it can be difficult to determine which laundry bag is suitable for these types of garments. Neither white nor colored laundry seem to be ideal for striped clothes. However, with the right advice, you can overcome this delicate laundry case and keep your striped clothes looking their best.
Striped Shirts: White or Colored? The Test Reveals It
To find out if dark stripes can fade the rest of the laundry, it is advisable to hand wash new striped shirts during the first wash and gently rub the fabric against each other. This way, you can easily see if the stripes bleed by observing the wash water.
If the wash water turns into a dark broth, it is preferable to place the shirt in the colored laundry bin to avoid fading the light-colored clothes.
On the other hand, if the wash water remains clear, the striped shirt can be washed with whites next time. The white stripes will thus remain bright and vibrant for a longer period. However, expect the colored stripes to fade more quickly if washed with a full laundry detergent.
When in Doubt, Always Wash Striped Shirts with Colored Laundry
If this test is too complicated for you, striped shirts should always be washed with colored laundry. Otherwise, the dark stripes may cause the rest of the white laundry to appear grayish. By following this rule, the damage is limited.
Color-Catching Wipes Help Fight Against Unwanted Fading
Many people swear by color-catching wipes sold in drugstores to prevent unsightly fading during washing. They can also be a good idea for striped shirts. The color-catching cloths are simply placed in the drum along with the laundry. During the wash, they are meant to absorb the dyes that escape from the wash water before they settle onto other garments. If the laundry is already faded, homemade remedies can salvage the discolored clothes.
