To extend the life of your garments, wash them inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, and avoid using the dryer—air-dry them instead. This helps prevent shrinking, pilling, and color fading. For added peace of mind, especially during the first wash of brightly colored garments like red or orange, you can use color absorber sheets (similar to dryer sheets). They help trap excess dye in the water before it transfers to other items.