Read coloured garments' labels before deciding whether to machine wash, hand wash or use professional cleaning. For washable clothing, sort compatible shades, pretreat marks and turn new coloured items inside out before placing them in a machine that is not overfilled.

Illustrative image
Illustrative image.

Ariel recommends cold water and a detergent intended for colours to help reduce fading. Unload the machine promptly because leaving damp garments together can encourage dye to transfer. Air drying is another option where the label permits, avoiding unnecessary heat and making remaining stains easier to notice.