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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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. 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.

Well, my sarcasm is getting the better of me here. 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

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

And what type of material would that be Dan?

LT