Color Loss & Bright Whites

Summer clothes glow like a rainbow of colors in your closet. But do you know how to keep them looking rich and beautiful? If not, beware the danger of color loss—a sometimes permanent, sometimes correctable, condition that constantly strikes fabrics. If you find your clothes have lost dye in certain places or have begun to change color, bring them to the experts at Classic Cleaners. Our professionals can answer your questions about how the color loss occurred and if it can be remedied. Here are a few common causes of color loss to consider:

Combat Color Trouble

Light

Dyes can fade if exposed to either sunlight or artificial light. However, with this type of color loss, fading usually only shows up on one side. Blues, violets and greens tend to be affected by these kinds of conditions the most.

Water

Dyes that are pink, lavender and red can experience color reactions if they come in contact with water or any water-bearing substance, like perspiration. If such a reaction is noticed soon after it happens, it can often be fixed by the experts at Classic Cleaners. Just point it out when you drop off your clothes.

Acid/Alkaline Substances

Certain dyes will change color when exposed to fruit juice, beverages, foods and other acidic materials. Alkaline substances—like perspiration, household chemicals and toiletries—can create problems, too. Let the professionals at Classic Cleaners treat the spot as soon as you notice it and the color reaction can probably be neutralized and corrected.

Alcohol

Alcohol can cause acetate and silk to lose their dye. For example, the alcohol content of most colognes and perfumes is capable of causing such a reaction.

Bleach

Surprisingly, even common household products—used for hair care, floor sanitation or general disinfecting—can harm your clothes. Some dyes are extremely sensitive to the bleach and chlorine in these products and contact can lead to immediate, permanent color loss.

How Whites Stay Bright

It's not easy keeping your white garments looking new. But with some extra care and professional help from the experts at Classic Cleaners, you'll be able to keep them whiter longer. Just follow these quick tips:

Stay Out of the Light

If you store and dry your clothes in lots of artificial light or natural sunlight, you'll probably experience color loss. Exposure to light can break down fluorescent brighteners, causing certain areas to change. For example, a white sweater dried in the sun could end up with a yellow front that looks dingy and old but have a white back that looks new.

Clean Whites Right

Perhaps the easiest way to help keep whites bright is to closely follow the manufacturer's care label. Often, dingy looking whites are the result of incomplete soil removal over a period of time. Here are some typical cleaning oversights that can lead to not-so-white whites:

• Not pre-soaking heavily stained garments
• Too little detergent
• Overloading the washing machine
• Water temperature that's too low
• Sorting clothes incorrectly

Classic Cleaners is Your Color Pro

Whether you're concerned about color loss or about keeping your whites white, trust Classic Cleaners for the professional dry cleaning and laundering services you need. We have the expertise and knowledge to help your clothes look their best all season.