Alexandra Ramirez
Black clothes can be professional looking, slimming of most body types, and can be paired with various accessories. However, it can be hard to hold the black color on clothes after many washes and wears, and when black starts to fade it loses its attractiveness. Luckily, there are different techniques that will keep your black pants, little black dress, and even a plain black t-shirt in tip-top shape, looking brand-new no matter what year you bought it in. Check out these seven ways on how to keep your black clothes from fading.
1. Wash with Vinegar
Vinegar is a powerful agent that can keep your black clothes fresh and in pristine condition. Simply add 1 cup of white distilled vinegar to your washing machine during the rinse cycle. Be mindful, especially if you have a front-loading washing machine, that you do not add the vinegar in the detergent slot, but rather in the actual washing machine basin. Vinegar will not only prevent your black clothes from fading by locking in the color, but it also works as a fabric softener as well so your clothes will come out feeling soft. If you notice a slight vinegar smell after washing, simply air dry your clothes. However, it is unlikely that the vinegar smell would stick to any garments in the washer.
2. Air Dry Only
Black clothes do not do well in the dryer, especially on medium or high heat settings. If you must put your clothes in the dryer, set the heat setting to low with a slow tumble. The heat from the dryer can damage and fade black clothes. This is also something to remember when it is the summertime, and you hang clothes outside to dry in the sun. The sun’s rays and heat can damage black clothes, as the sunlight has the same effects of bleach. The summer breeze may leave a fresh smell on your clothes, but the sun can fade your black garments.
3. Turn Clothes Inside Out
Washing your black clothes inside out can prevent them from fading. Black clothes can fade because of the friction of rubbing against other clothes in the washer. The surface that is subjected to soap, water, and other garments will fade quicker than the opposite side. It may be tedious to turn all your black clothes inside out before tossing them in the washing machine, but it will preserve their color longer.
4. Grab the Java
You may be thinking…you want me to add coffee to my clothes? Doesn’t that stain fabric? In this situation, with black clothes, coffee is considered a natural dye and it can actually strengthen the black dye in your black clothes and preserve the longevity of it. All you do is add two cups of brewed coffee to the washing machine after your clothes have gone through their first cycle. This is a simple method that will keep your black clothes richly dark and will keep them from fading.
5. Baking Soda
Adding baking soda to your washing machine with your black clothes can help preserve their dark color. First, fill the machine with your clothes and then toss in half a cup of baking soda. Proceed with washing as usual. Baking soda is a great tool for brightening blacks and even whites.
6. Keep Darks Together
Washing your dark clothes separate from the light clothes keeps them a vibrant black. When you wash black colors together with lights, the black color can transfer onto the bright colors, like pink or orange, and change them into a tarnished color. Therefore, it is important to wash blacks together and keep them separate from colors so that the black color stays fresh.
7. Salt Your Clothes
Throwing in a half cup of salt to the washer when washing new black clothes can preserve and lock in the black color. Doing this right from the start will lengthen your black clothes’ longevity. It’s also an inexpensive method that won’t break the bank.
Black clothes are a staple in most people’s wardrobe, but it is important to protect them from fading so you can look your best while wearing them. The next time you are looking for an effective and quick way to prevent fading, try one of the above seven techniques. These techniques are all sure to keep your black clothes from fading.
