Woolite is a popular laundry detergent specially formulated for washing wool and other delicate fabrics. Many people wonder if Woolite’s color products are safe to use on colored clothes and if they will cause fading or other damage. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Woolite’s color safety and effectiveness.
How Woolite Color Products Work
Woolite offers several color-protecting laundry detergent options:
- Woolite Everyday Detergent for Darks
- Woolite Everyday Detergent for Colors
- Woolite Darks & Colors Care
These products are designed to clean while keeping clothes looking vibrant. They contain special ingredients to prevent fading, dulling, and other color damage.
Key Ingredients
Woolite color detergents include:
- Dyes & pigments: These help replace lost color and prevent fading.
- Optical brighteners: These reflect light to make colors appear brighter.
- Low sudsing cleansers: Woolite uses gentle cleansers that won’t strip color.
- Enzymes: Break down stains without harsh chemicals.
- pH balancers: Help maintain fabric color and brightness.
How They Protect Color
Woolite color detergents are designed to clean fabrics as gently as possible. The low-sudsing formula helps lift dirt and stains without excessive agitation or friction that can damage dyes. The enzymes break down stains at a molecular level.
The pigments and optical brighteners help restore lost vibrancy and prevent fabrics from becoming dull or faded over time. The balanced pH level maintains the chemical structure of the dyes.
Overall, these technologies work together to get clothes clean while preserving the color integrity of the fabric.
Examining the Evidence on Woolite’s Color Safety
So how well does Woolite actually work to protect colors? Several sources suggest Woolite color products are effective when used properly.
Woolite’s Internal Testing
According to Woolite’s parent company, RB (the maker of Lysol, Airwick, and other brands), Woolite undergoes extensive quality testing before reaching store shelves.
RB evaluates Woolite’s color protection in a few key ways:
Lab testing: Woolite detergents are tested on swatches of fabric to ensure they don’t cause fading, color loss, or fabric damage.
Consumer testing: RB recruits consumer testers to use Woolite products in their own laundry routines at home. They evaluate factors like color retention and fabric softness.
Production testing: Batches of Woolite are examined during the production process to ensure they meet quality standards.
Per RB, these rigorous tests confirm Woolite color products gently clean while preserving vibrancy.
Third-Party Testing
Several independent organizations have also verified Woolite’s color safety.
For example, Woolite recently earned the Good Housekeeping Seal after evaluation by the Good Housekeeping Institute. Seal experts reviewed the formula’s cleaning ability and confirmed Woolite protected fabric color.
Additionally, Woolite has been certified by Procter & Gamble’s independent Central Testing Laboratories. Their experts tested Woolite against industry color protection standards.
These third-party results provide added assurance of Woolite’s effectiveness.
Consumer Reviews
Overall, everyday laundry consumers seem pleased with Woolite’s color protection abilities. On sites like Amazon and Target, most Woolite color detergent reviews mention fabrics maintaining their original vibrancy, even after repeated washing.
However, some note very delicate fabrics like silks and wool sweaters still require extra special care. While Woolite is specially designed for these fabrics, hand-washing may be best for items at high risk of fading.
Tips for Using Woolite Color Detergent
While testing suggests Woolite color products are safe when used as directed, there are a few tips to get the best results:
Sorting
It’s best to sort laundry by color before washing. Separate whites, lights, darks, and colors into different loads. This allows you to customize wash settings instead of compromising between garments with very different needs.
Following Fabric Care Labels
Always check garment tags for the manufacturer’s care instructions. Follow any special directions which take precedence over general product guidelines.
Washing Gentler and Cooler
Woolite is designed for gentle cycles, typically normal or permanent press. Wash in cool or cold water when possible, which is less likely to agitate dyes.
Avoiding Bleach and Other Additives
Don’t add any other detergents, bleaches, softeners, or boosters as they may upset the pH balance and negatively interact with Woolite’s formula.
Air Drying
Machine drying with heat can fade fabrics over time. Let garments drip dry on hangers or flat when you can.
Checking for Colorfastness
If concerned about a new garment, first test it for dye stability by washing a hidden area. If no color bleeds out, it should be fine with Woolite. Stop using if you ever notice excessive color in the wash water.
| Woolite Product | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Woolite Everyday Detergent for Darks | Deep cleaners lift stains; Contains dye transfer inhibitors and optical brighteners; pH balanced, low sudsing formula |
| Woolite Everyday Detergent for Colors | Brightening agents enhance vibrancy; Designed for all machine washable fabrics; Gentle on sensitive skin |
| Woolite Darks & Colors Care | Protects against fading and graying; Contains wool-softening ingredients; For darks, colors, and delicate fabrics |
The Bottom Line
Based on available evidence, Woolite does seem to safely and effectively clean delicates and other colored items when used properly. The brand has withstood extensive internal testing, independent third-party evaluations, and the scrutiny of everyday laundry consumers.
However, no laundry product is perfect or can completely prevent color loss under all circumstances. Some tips for optimal results include:
- Sorting fabrics by color before washing
- Following all garment care instructions
- Washing in cool water on a gentle cycle
- Avoiding other additives like bleach or fabric softener
- Air drying when possible
- Checking for colorfastness before washing new garments
With reasonable care and the right practices, Woolite color detergents can safely deliver vibrant, long-lasting results. But as with any laundry product, some color fading over time is inevitable. Overall, when used properly, Woolite color products provide effective cleaning power while retaining bright, beautiful fabric hues.
References
- https://www.woolite.com/our-products/darks-and-colors/woolite-darks-and-colors-care
- https://www.woolite.com/our-products/daily-laundry/woolite-everyday-detergent-for-colors
- https://www.woolite.com/how-to-wash-clothes/laundry-tips-and-hacks/how-to-keep-dark-clothes-from-fading
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/a32780220/woolite-active-review-0921/
- https://www.pgpro.com/brands/woolite/
- https://www.amazon.com/Woolite-Laundry-Detergent-Colors-Ounces/product-reviews/B00CJXGM7Q
- https://www.target.com/p/woolite-darks-38-colors-care-liquid-laundry-detergent-44-loads-50-fl-oz/-/A-75500807#reviews