Camo Fading?
 

What have you found to be the best way to reduce camo color fading?

This is not a problem with some, but is for others.

Thanks, LT

RE: Camo Fading?
 

Line dry it rather than using a dryer. Which is what you ought to be doing anyway. However, don't leave it out in a hard sunlight for too long. I find that the shade on a nice breezy day is just the ticket.

In the winter, I usually (if possible) hang dry mine by a wood fire..... your clothes end up with a smell of wood smoke, which is a 100% natural smell. Does it work.... heck I don't know.... but I like the smell of it....

Moreover, there are scent free detergents (that aren't designed for hunting and don't carry a designer hunting price tag either) that contain NO UV BRIGHTENERS, but also have color lock or some other type of BS... I like Purex (unscented of course)....

I actually want my clothes to fade a little bit.... I find that (especially for tree stand hunting) that a slight fade to grey helps them blend in MUCH MUCH better..... A slightly faded realtree HD green..... I can't see it.

RE: Camo Fading?
 

Thanks Swamp. I have also found the direct sunlight and dryer to be culprits. I try to always hang dry outside unless it is raining. I will use the dryer with a Dead Down Wind dryer sheet (unscented) in that case.

I also agree with a small amount of fade. I do not like the pattern to fade too quickly though.

I like to use Baking Soda for detergent unless I feel the clothes need something stronger. Seems that the Baking Soda increases the speed of fading though. Anyone else had this happen?

LT

RE: Camo Fading?
 

I used to use baking soda, but I also noticed accelerated fading. I bought a light jacket one year and by the end of our 5 month bow season it was almost light grey. I use sport wash or unsented detergent now.

RE: Camo Fading?
 

Thanks hillbilly. I had started using a little sport wash and Baking Soda mixed last season. Seemed to work a little better than straight Baking Soda.

LT

RE: Camo Fading?
 

Its good to know that I'm not the only one that didn't work for! :D

Arm and Hammer has a powder and now liquid detergent that is relatively scent free. I used it a lot in college on just my regular clothes, and I think it made things fade pretty fast. It did a great job with odors and all... but it was tough on stuff. Great way to wash a new pair of Carhardts though... nothing tougher than new canvas britches.... but they last for years.

A lot of the camo I have, I find that as it gets older... it looks better and better.

RE: Camo Fading?
 

Washing alone is eventually going to fade the camo, but by using certain detergents, the fading process will be slower. I use the scent/uv brightener free sport wash. This does slow down the fading process.Letting the clothing dry naturally probably will slow it down somewhat, but I still use the dryer. The main problem with drying them in a dryer is shrinkage. That just reminded me of the Seinfield episode involving George and shrinkage:D. That was hilarious. Back to the topic.Faded camo is not going to spook your game. Scent and movement are far more important, but you already know that.

RE: Camo Fading?
 

Well, my sarcasm is getting the better of me here.:D Just dont ever where it. LOL! I try to only wash my hunting stuf twice a year. I usually use a scent freebrightner free detergent. Or the hunting wash detergent. But try to keep from spraying coverscent on it. This seems to fade it for some reason. I usually hang dry and then throw a earth scent fabric sheet in the bag with my clothes. Try it out.

Justin

RE: Camo Fading?
 

There are some good suggestions, but over the years I have learned it is best to purchase hunting clothes made from material that is not prone to fading.

It has worked well for me;)

Dan

RE: Camo Fading?
 

And what type of material would that be Dan?

LT