FASHON Q & amp;A

Q: I have lots of khaki-colored cotton skirts and pants. After the first washing they become blotchy with streaks of lighter color. What am I doing wrong? I wash in cold water, with an additives-free detergent, and tumble dry on low.
A: Your washing technique is fine. The problem is the water in your machine and the dye used on your khakis.
According to fabric-care experts, the chemicals present in most household water have an adverse effect on certain dye colors, including khaki, causing them to fade unevenly.
As it is almost impossible in a noncommercial situation to get perfectly pure water, your best bet is to spray your khakis with Scotchgard before you first wash them. This will create a protective barrier between the water and the dye, and should prevent discoloration.
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