Prevent Quilts from Fading with These Laundry Tips
Also Good for Setting Dye During the First Wash!
Over time, with repeated washings, most fabrics fade and lose their bright colors. Whether it be clothes or quilts, you probably want to keep the colors bright and fresh for as long as possible.
Fortunately, there are items you probably already have on hand that can prevent fabric from fading in the wash. An article from Lindsay Conner gives a good overview of what works and how to use it.
“Rainbow Bargello” quilt. Kit no longer available.
In fact, if you don’t prewash your fabric, it’s a good idea to use this tip from the article to further set the dye and prevent bleeding:
“Prior to a first washing, you can also soak dark fabrics for 30 minutes in water mixed with ½ cup of vinegar and 2 teaspoons of salt to help set the dyes.”
Another good option for setting the dye during the first washing is to use Retayne (found here). (It’s also a good idea to add Color catchers to the wash to help keep bleeding dye from damaging your quilt. Synthrapol can usually remove dye that has bled into other areas of a quilt and further set remaining dye.)
You’ll find more information about retaining color when laundering in this article from Organic Authority.
