Learning how to wash dark and black clothes can help them stay vibrant, while also protecting lighter clothes from color transfer. If you want to help keep your wardrobe looking fresh, it’s important to know how to help prevent the fading of black and dark-colored clothes. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to help extend the life of your clothes and prevent fading.
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 itself 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, as well as air drying garments to avoid overdrying.
How do you keep black clothes from fading?
To help keep your black clothes and black jeans dark, wash your garments inside out in cold water on a delicate cycle. Be sure to use a low heat setting in the dryer or air dry to help prevent fading.
Remember to always check the care tag on your clothing for proper washing and care instructions.
How to wash black clothes and prevent fading
Follow this simple 8-step guideto help keep your dark-colored clothes from fading in the wash.
Supplies
- Laundry detergent
Fabric softener
Tools
- Washing machine
Dryer
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 to keep your clothes looking vivid and new, as well as help 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.
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 helpprevent unwanted lintand pilling to your dark fabrics, which may cause a faded, aged appearance.
In fact, 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.
3. Turn clothes inside out before washing
To wash your clothes without fading, be sure to 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 fading 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.
4. Use cold water and a delicate cycle to wash dark clothes
After you have separated your dark-colored clothing and turned the garments inside out, activate a short, delicate washing cycle in cold water. The shorter cycle and cold water temperature minimize the agitation to your clothing and help prevent the dyes from bleeding.
For more laundering tips, learn how to wash dark and light-colored clothing with this handy guide.
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, use a small amount in the washing cycle, and chooseliquid over powderif possible, to help avoid unwanted residue on your clothes.
Make sure to add the detergent to the drum prior to inserting your clothing. Adding detergent directly on top of clothing may cause unwanted spots or stains. If your washer has a dispenser, add the appropriate amount of laundry detergent directly to it, rather than into the drum. The Load & Go™ XL Dispenser available on this Whirlpool® Washertakes care of this step and automatically adds detergent to your load.
For additional care with an optimized cleanse, check out Swash® Laundry Detergent from Whirlpool Corporation for your family’s needs.1
Shop Swash® Laundry Detergent
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.
For added convenience, features like the in select Whirlpool® Washing Machines take the guesswork out of how much detergent to add and handle the process for you.
7. Use fabric softener to prevent fading
Adding fabric softener to your washing process can help prevent dark clothes from fading by reducing friction in the wash. This step also leaves your clothes with a fresh scent and soft touch.
8. Dry clothes on a low heat setting or air dry
Drying clothes on a low heat setting or air drying can minimize damage and help keep clothes from fading. To avoid exposure to sunlight—which can fade your clothes—opt for an indoor drying rack instead of an outdoor clothesline.
Additionally, utilizing the tumble dry setting without heat on your dryer can also provide an efficient, convenient alternative to air drying.
Tips to help keep clothes from fading:
Understanding the correct way to wash your clothes can help keep your garments from fading and may preserve your family’s favorite outfits. Follow these tips to help keep clothing from fading:
Sort laundry by whites, colors and darks
Wash on a cold water cycle
Wash on a gentle or delicate cycle
Avoid using too much detergent
Use detergent designed for dark clothes
Explore Whirlpool® Washers and Dryers
Are you looking for an efficient washer and dryer to add convenience to your family’s laundry needs? Discover how Whirlpool® Washers and Dryers help streamline your routine and keep laundry day under control.
Shop Whirlpool® Washing Machines
Whirlpool® Washing Machines can help keep your family’s clothes fresh with features like Intuitive Controls on this washer that help guide you through the cycle for the right type of fabric care for every load. Learn about the different types of washers to find the best fit for your home.
Shop Whirlpool® Dryers
Complete your laundry set with Whirlpool® Dryers—select models are designed with convenient features to help track moisture and prevent shrinking, like Advanced Moisture Sensing on this dryer. Learn how to choose your next dryer.
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1. Swash and the recommended brands are owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
