Inside: Tired of your favorite dark clothes fading? Check out these simple tips to keep darks from fading. It's easy to wash dark clothes and keep them dark.
Years ago I bought a black sweater that I absolutely loved. It fit great and was fairly inexpensive. The only problem was it didn't take more than 3 or 4 washes before the sweater started fading. My pretty black sweater was now a dark dingy grey. I ended up getting rid of it because it faded so quickly.
After having the sweater I did finally learn there are a few tricks to keep your darks from fading. With these simple tips and tricks you can keep your dark jeans from fading and your black sweaters black. Check out how to keep darks from fading.
Use Vinegar
Adding vinegar to your wash cycle to keep your darks from fading. The vinegar will help get rid of any detergent build up or minerals in the water that can leave your darks looking faded and dingy.
It's an easy and frugal way to keep your darks from fading.
How To Use Vinegar To Keep Your Darks From Fading
Add 1/2 cup vinegar when you start the washing machine or you can add it to your fabric softener dispenser.
Note: The smell of vinegar will disappear once the clothes are dry.
Wash On Cold
Another easy trick for keeping your darks dark is to wash them in cold water. Hot and warm water causes the fibers to break down quicker on clothing leaving it faded and dull.
Keep the dark colors bright by switching to cold water when you wash.
How To Use Cold Water To Keep Your Darks Fresh
When washing darks set your washing machine to the coldest setting the fabrics will allow before throwing in a load of darks.
It will help keep your darks from fading and cost less money than using the warm or hot setting.
Use The Gentle Cycle
Using the gentle cycle is an easy way to help reduce fading on clothes. The gentle cycle will help protect the fabric which keeps it looking brighter and dark colored.
If you have something you really want to keep looking dark you can also hand wash it to be extra careful.
Tips For Using The Gentle Cycle To Stop Fading
Use the shortest gentle cycle when machine washing dark fabrics. Just choose a gentle cycle with cool water on your machine. Keep in mind drying on a lower temperature will also help.
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Wash With Special Detergent
Using a special detergent for darks may cost a little extra but can be completely worth it to help your clothes last longer. I love Woolite for Darks to help make the dark color last in clothing.
It costs a little more than average detergent but is really worth it for your favorite clothes.
I also love all of The Laundress detergents. They make a special detergent for denim that helps soften the material and yet still preserve the color of the jeans.
I don't use it on all of our jeans but I do use it on my favorite jean jacket to help preserve the color.
Wash Clothes Inside Out
If you are trying to keep those jeans dark wash them inside out. It only takes a minute before you wash them to flip them inside out and it will help to protect the dark color. It's a quick and easy way to keep your jeans from fading.
With these simple tips on how to keep darks from fading, you can keep all of your favorite dark clothes staying dark.
Want some more laundry tips and tricks? Check out how to get your whites white again. It's an easy tip to turn your dingy greys bright white again.
Donna Strauch says
Love your tips. Every subject hits home.