Will a new washer / dryer prevent fading (vs 10 yr old)?
 

I have a washer / dryer combo that is around 10 years old... every time I wash & dry darks (especially black shirts) they fade way too much. I use detergent for darks, etc... nothing really helps.

I'm thinking about getting a new setup... but only if it will help maintain my colors. I feel like I barely get to wear a shirt by the time it is a faded piece of shit..

Any suggestions?

The front load washers are supposed to be better. They use less water, detergent, etc. Plus the clothes aren't wound around a big center shaft like they are in the top load washers.

Instead they are just tossed around in the water. I would imagine that would save wear and tear on the clothes.

wash your colors in cold water :)

i doubt new one will help.... principal is the same... i got the same dilemma lol, although mine are like 5 year old

I don't think changing machines will help.

Some things you can try are washing in cold, turning your clothes wrong side out when you wash them, don't stuff your washer full, and adding vinegar to the load.

Something I can vouch for pretty well is jerking them out of the dryer when they are still about half wet. I have a rack in my laundry room, and stuff goes on hangers way before it is totally dry.

Use Zero for dark colors helps and cold water only

yeah, they are all going to make them fade

i have front loaders and they are elite. i wash with them on cold, works perfect

I just bought a Samsung front load steam washer a month ago and I was so excited about the steam cleaning part. I thought I was going to be steaming and sanitizing all kinds of shit.

The very first time I used it I washed some bed sheets and decided to run the sanitize thing. It took AN HOUR AND A FUCKING HALF. God, I was pissed.

I'm not sure if a new washer would help you, but if you have something you really love to wear, get it dry cleaned. That's the best way to keep it looking good.

If clothes fade they do so from the water / soap not the machine itself. Test your machine by running it empty and stopping it to check the water a few times.

Unless your machine is making the water rusty or dirty then it shouldn't effect the color of the clothes.

So many Martha Stewarts! ;) Yes, wash them in cold, always, keep the same fabric weights together (all jeans together, all lightweights together, etc.) and putting them inside out helps. My friends swears that if you wash all BLACKS together, it will help keep the dye in, but I don't know if that's true. The quality of the fabric itself is also a factor. But if you're just looking for a reason for a brand new washer/dryer, go for it!