How to Brighten Faded Clothes and Bring Them Back to Life

Try a Vinegar Soak

A vinegar soak can help lift detergent residue and restore vibrancy to faded clothing. Mix one part white vinegar with four parts cold water in a large basin, and soak the garment for 30 minutes. Then, wash as usual with a color-safe detergent. Vinegar won’t re-dye the fabric, but it can help remove buildup that makes colors look dull and lifeless.

Stephanie Phillips, owner of Phillips Residential and Commercial Cleaning Service in Nashville, TN, also shares that adding ¼ cup of lemon juice to color loads can have a similar effect. (Just be sure to double-check the fabric type and colorfastness before using any household brighteners.)

Sort Laundry by Color Intensity—Not Just Color

Preventing color loss and fading is the most effective way to keep bright colors bright. We all know to separate lights and darks, but if you’re trying to preserve brightness, Phillips suggests taking a step further. "Wash neon, saturated brights, and pastel shades separately," she says. "That way, you’re protecting each group from dulling transfer or competing dye."

Turn Clothes Inside Out

This simple move shields the outside of your garments from friction, which is one of the biggest causes of color fading in the wash. It also protects embellishments and detailing.

Use a Brightening Boost

There are commercial laundry boosters available designed to brighten clothes—look for ones with “optical brighteners.”

"I use commercially available laundry boosters because I trust them to be gentle on fabrics," says Phillips. These can be easily added to your laundry routine, as they can be poured right in the drum or detergent slot during a regular wash cycle or a separate rinse.

Use Cold Water and Gentle Detergent

Hot water can strip dye from fabric, especially in vivid hues. Opt for cold water and choose a detergent specifically made for bright colors. "When I am helping a client build a wardrobe, I always stress the importance of proper washing techniques," says Elliott. "Always look for [detergent] labels that mention 'color care' or 'brightening,' and never let warm or hot water touch bright fabrics."

Skip the Dryer When You Can

Avoiding hot water is the first step in preserving colors, but high heat from the dryer can also fade your garments. If possible, air dry your clothes indoors or out of direct sunlight. “If you absolutely must use the dryer, choose a low-heat setting,” says Phillips. 

Choose Colorfast Fabrics

Some fabrics naturally hold onto color better than others. Look for pieces made from colorfast materials, such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, wool, or silk. These fabrics are less prone to fading and tend to maintain their vibrancy longer.

Some natural fibers like cotton and linen are more likely to fade over time, and they may need a little extra attention in your laundry routine.

Wash Less Often

Unless they truly need a wash, try spot cleaning or airing out clothes between wears to preserve their color. "If you wear a garment for a short time, haven't sweat, and there are no visible stains, don’t throw them in the wash," says Elliott. "Hanging them outdoors in the shade for a couple of hours is usually enough to air them out and get them ready for another wear."

Redye If Needed

If all else fails, fabric dye is a budget-friendly way to make a piece look like new. Choose a shade that closely matches the original and follow the package directions carefully.