It’s frustrating when you buy your jeans only for it to crock on your shirt or body. The damage caused by color crocking is irreversible. Imagine visiting your friend only to realize later that you’ve painted their couch blue or whatever color your jeans are.
That’s why textile manufacturers must make sure that their dyeing exercise is done correctly. The best way to do this is by using a TESTEX Electronic Crockmeter TF411 to determine the crocking levels.
Where the manufacturer makes use of this machine, your clothes will rarely bleed, fade or crock. But after the purchase, you’ll also need to prevent crocking on your own. These tips will help you.
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Use Hot Water
Use hot water for your first wash. The main purpose is to remove any unattached dye. But don’t use hot water again to do your cleaning. That’s because it accelerates fading by disintegrating fabrics.
Using warm or hot water works if the dying process was done right.
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Be Gentle
As a general rule, set your washing machine for gentle cycles on all clothes. That’s the safe method for any automated washing technique.
At times, it’d be better to hand wash your own clothes. It helps ensure that the friction levels between your hands and fabric is minimal. That means fading or crocking won’t happen at all.
Also, use detergents that don’t facilitate fading.
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Inside Out
Try turning your clothes inside out when washing and drying them out. Don’t expose the outside part of your clothes to direct sunlight. This helps prevent fading.
Turning your clothes inside out when drying them prevents fading. But doing the same when washing helps clean the entire clothing. As such, you shouldn’t expect any color to stick on your skin or other clothes.
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Use Natural Fabric Softener
After you wash your clothes, use a fabric softener before drying them. It helps keep the quality of your fabric intact. If you don’t have access to a fabric softener, vinegar can also be helpful.
By keeping the fabric intact, softeners are able to prevent color crocking.
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Don’t Over Dry Your Clothes
After washing, dry your clothes through a dryer or under the sun. Whichever method you choose, don’t overdo it. Don’t leave your clothes out there for long.
Overdrying or exposing clothes to direct sunlight is the leading cause of fading. Once your clothes get dry, remove them to cool indoors.
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Use Cold Water
Unless you’re removing excess dye, use cold water to wash any colored clothing. This helps prevent color fading and ensure your clothes get clean.
Only use warm water to wash white or plain clothes.
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Read Manufacturers Instruction
Most clothes manufacturers will sew labels on their products. Carefully read through these instructions and you’ll know how to handle each product.
If some clothes require a specific type of washing, be sure to separate them from another laundry. Follow the guidelines to prevent any damage to your fabric.
