Dry colored clothes in shade or indoors

Hang colored clothes on an indoor drying rack or on an outdoor line in a shaded spot. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight for extended periods.

Why It Works

UV radiation breaks down dye molecules through photochemical degradation — the same process that makes sun-bleaching effective on whites. Prolonged direct sun exposure gradually fades dark blues, blacks, and reds. Shade-drying and indoor racks avoid this entirely.

Tips

• If drying outdoors, choose a shaded area or dry during early morning or late afternoon when UV is weaker
• Indoor rack drying also eliminates static and is gentler than a machine dryer
• If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting — dryer heat also contributes to fading over time