What to do to prevent color loss:

 

• Some care labels state: "Use A Mild Detergent." In this case, use a light duty detergent. A general purpose detergent may cause light spots to appear on the garment, especially on pastel-colored cotton fabrics. Should such spotting occur, soak the entire garment in a solution of 4 parts water and one part general purpose detergent. This lightens the entire garment and evens out the color.

• Have doubts if a new garment is colorfast? Test it first! Here are two tests to try. Wash it separately the first time around. If there is color left in the wash water, continue washing it separately the second time, the third time and so forth, until the color no longer bleeds into the water. Apply a little water or detergent on an inconspicuous area. If the color runs, wash it separately.

 

About SDA

The Soap and Detergent Association (www.cleaning101.com), the U.S. Home of the Cleaning Products Industry^SM, is the non-profit trade association representing manufacturers of household, industrial, and institutional cleaning products; their ingredients; and finished packaging; and oleochemical producers. SDA members produce more than 90 percent of the cleaning products marketed in the U.S. The SDA is located at 1500 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005.