STPP = Fading?

[pulsator]

Will STPP fade dark colors? I've noticed a few dark blue t-shirts and towels coming out of my Miele with pinky splotches on them, they are rather faint but, can too much STPP cause this? It can't be bleach because Mieles and bleach are like oil and water and the clothes haven't touched any surface but the basket, the Miele drum and the F&P Smartload drum... I used 1 tablespoon Tide HE and half a tablespoon STPP on the Normal cycle with cold water. I also used Downy April Fresh, but I've never come across any bleaching affects from it before... This worries me a bit cuz this is my sister's laundry... If she notices, I'm toast!

 

[launderess]

While cannot find a precise source, there are claims out there that phosphates can affect colours. Even some some detergents claim they do not contain "colour damaging phosphates".

Unless it comes into direct contact with fabric, bleaches tend to produce an overall lightening, and even then it normally involves undiluted product.

I'd make sure your sister wasn't using any type of cosmetic or beauty creme that contains peroxide, such as certian acne treatments. Such products and affect textile dyes if they come into contact with clothing.

L.

 

[sudsmaster]

I very much doubt that STPP is causing the blotches or fading.

I've been using it with Sears HE for years now, and haven't noticed any undue color fading due to the STPP. STPP, being an alkaline substance, may attack and soften latex backings such as on throwrugs, but powdered and liquid detergents are already alkaline before STPP is added.

I suspect the Tide HE is the culprit. It contains optical brighteners galore, as well as other whiteners that may be interacting with the fabric's dyes under certain circumstances.

If you are really concerned about fading colors, try grating some regular plain hand soap (like Ivory), and depending on the wash load and soil level, add an oz or so of STPP to the washer, then add the grated soap in small amounts (an oz or more) until a very thin layer of suds is visible. This concoction will not include any optical brighteners or other mysterious chemicals that may impair dye function.

 

[sudsman]

Jamie

I have noticed in the last 2years or so years that the newer items we have purchased here dyes are not so good.. And colors fade very quickly.. Most seem to be of China orgin. The dark blue patient gowns I got just a few weeks ago are already sky blue.. We use no bleach or harsh chemicals on these as they are only X ray gowns.. But the color change has been quite drastic.. may not be the laundry products at all.. Check the lables and see where they are from.. Even the better known brands are not the good quality they were just a few years ago..Dyes are very different from country to country.. Blues and Reds seem to be the most problems for us..

 

[oxydolfan1]

Maybe you could try Cheer HE liquid instead?

It seems to fade less.

 

[retromom]

I agree with Lee. The modern dyes (from China, no doubt) do seem to fade faster. Thanks to our wonderful "Lady of the Laundry", Ross (Westyslantfront), I have been using STPP on my whites, sheets, and towels for some time now. As my towels are not dark, I have not noticed any fading; just brown water and clean towels!

Steve (Gyrafoam) has mentioned to me on several occasions, that he likes using Paloma detergent on darks because of low to non-existant phosphate content. If you are concerned about your dark colours fading, I would use a detergent made specifically for colours or dark clothing and hold off on the STPP.

Good luck - and say YAY to no more grays!

 

[rolls_rapide]

I once washed red T-shirts along with blue/darks. The dark articles ended up with pink splodges where they had mutual contact.