How To Keep Black And Other Dark - Colored Clothes From Fading

Table Of Contents

What causes clothes to fade?

How do you keep black clothes black?

How to prevent clothes from fading?

Learning how to wash dark and black clothes will help them stay vibrant while protecting lighter clothes from color transfer. If you want to keep your wardrobe looking fresh, it’s important to know how to prevent the fading of black and dark-colored clothes. The simple steps in this guide can go a long way toward preserving your clothes so they look their best.

What causes clothes to fade?

Clothes tend to fade in the laundry cycle due to hot water washes, harsh detergents, agitation during washing, and overdrying. The dye can also cause bleeding and fading if it is not well-set or if the wrong type of dye was used on a certain fabric. Friction between articles of clothing can also cause fabric fibers to break, resulting in a faded appearance.

These factors affect the dye in your clothing, but they can be minimized by washing clothes with cold water on a delicate cycle and air drying garments to avoid overdrying.

Suggested Read: How To Fade A T-shirt

How do you keep black clothes black?

To keep your black clothes and black jeans dark, wash your garments inside out in cold water on a delicate cycle. Use a low heat setting in the dryer or air dryer to prevent fading.

Remember to always check the care tag on your clothing for proper washing and care instructions.

How to prevent clothes from fading?

Follow this simple 8-step guide for best practices to keep your dark-colored clothes from fading in the wash.

What you’ll need:

Supplies

• Laundry detergent
• Fabric softener

Tools

• Washing machine
• Dryer

Step 1: Read clothing labels for washing and drying instructions

Before washing your clothes, always check your garment’s care tag for proper washing and drying instructions, including any dry cleaning requirements. The care tag symbols and recommendations for washing and drying can help prevent fading from keeping your clothes looking vivid and new and prevent deterioration.

The care tag will let you know if you need a normal or delicate cycle. Delicate cycles are shorter and gentler, making them a good option for washing dark or black clothes.

Step 2: Wash black clothes and dark-colored clothes separately

Sorting your dark-colored clothing before washing helps prevent dye transfers and color absorption with lighter colors. Additionally, separating your laundry by fabric type and weight can also prevent unwanted lint and pilling to your dark fabrics, which may cause a faded, aged appearance.

If heavy-duty fabrics like denim rub against more delicate fabrics in the wash cycle, it can exacerbate wear and tear on the more delicate item, leading to a distressed look.

Step 3: Turn clothes inside out before washing.

To wash your clothes without fading, turn the garments inside out before placing them into the washing machine. This allows the inside of the clothing to take the brunt of the agitation and fade from the washing cycle while still ensuring a thorough, clean wash.

Be mindful to avoid overloading the washing machine to allow clothing to move around freely inside the drum.

Step 4: Use cold water and a delicate cycle to wash dark clothes

After separating your dark-colored clothing and turning the garments inside out, activate a short, delicate washing cycle in cold water. The shorter cycle and cold water temperature minimize the agitation of your clothing and help prevent the dyes from bleeding.

Step 5: Choose the right laundry detergent to preserve dark colors

A liquid detergent tailored for dark clothing is the best method to prevent fading. However, if you only have regular detergent on hand, a small amount is recommended in the washing cycle, preferably liquid over powder, to avoid unwanted residue on your clothes.

Make sure to add the detergent to the drum before inserting your clothing. Adding detergent directly on top of clothing may cause unwanted spots or stains.

Step 6: Avoid using too much detergent

If your washing machine does not include an automatic dispenser, it is recommended to use a small amount of concentrated detergent. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the right amount of detergent for your load size.

Step 7: Use fabric softener to prevent fading

Adding fabric softener to your washing process can prevent dark clothes from fading by reducing friction in the wash. This step also leaves your clothes feeling brand new with a fresh scent and soft touch.

Step 8: Dry clothes on a low heat setting or air dry

Drying clothes on a low heat setting or air drying can prevent damage and keep clothes from fading. Opt for an indoor drying rack instead of an outdoor clothesline to avoid exposure to sunlight.