No, washing clothes in salt does not set the color. The belief that salt can set the color of clothes is a common misconception. In reality, setting the color of fabric involves using chemical agents known as "fixatives" or "mordants." These substances help the fabric retain the dye molecules, making the color more permanent and less likely to fade or bleed.
Salt is often used in the dyeing process, but its role is to enhance the color intensity rather than set the color. When using certain types of dyes, like fiber-reactive dyes or some natural dyes, adding salt to the dye bath can improve the absorption of the dye by the fabric, resulting in brighter and more vibrant colors. However, this improvement in color intensity is not the same as setting the color to make it permanent.
If you want to set the color of your clothes after dyeing, it's essential to follow the specific instructions for the type of dye you're using. Some dyes require heat-setting, others require the use of chemical fixatives, and certain dyes might not require any additional steps. Always refer to the dye manufacturer's guidelines to ensure the best results and colorfastness for your dyed clothes.