Laundry care tips for preserving clothing color and brightness

To maintain the color intensity of dark and heavily colored clothing, adding a tablespoon of salt to the washing machine can help prevent fading. The salt can be placed in an empty detergent compartment or directly into the drum before the wash cycle begins.

For white laundry that has become yellowed or dull, the issue is often caused by chemical damage from chlorine bleach or the buildup of organic oils like sweat and sebum. To restore brightness, using a color-safe oxygen bleach soak to lift organic buildup before the main wash cycle is recommended, rather than relying solely on harsh liquid chlorine bleach.