HOW TO KEEP BLACK CLOTHES FROM FADING IN THE WASH

There’s nothing worse than stepping out in the Arkansas summer heat, dressed in your favorite black outfit, only to realize it’s not quite black anymore. Faded black jeans, brown-tinted shirts, and mismatched shades of black are common frustrations—but they don’t have to be!

The good news? With proper care, you can keep your black garments looking bold and beautiful. The experts at Hangers Cleaners in Central Arkansas are here to share their top tips for maintaining that deep, dark color.

Wash Less to Keep Black Clothes from Fading

Even on a gentle cycle, washing machines can break down fabric fibers, causing dark dyes to fade. Before tossing your black jeans or t-shirt into the laundry basket, ask yourself: Does it really need to be washed?

Pro Tip: Use natural spot-cleaning methods to freshen up your black clothes without exposing them to the wear and tear of a wash cycle.

Wash Carefully

Always check the care tag on your garment before washing to ensure you’re following the right steps. If your clothes aren’t heavily soiled, choose gentle methods like handwashing or using the delicate cycle.

Why It Matters:

• Handwashing reduces agitation, which helps fabrics retain dye.
• A slow spin cycle prevents unnecessary wear on fibers.

Wash in Cold Water

Heat is a dark fabric’s worst enemy—it breaks down fibers and accelerates fading.

Here’s How to Do It:

• Use cold water for every wash.
• Skip the dryer and hang dry indoors, away from direct sunlight, which can fade dark colors even faster.

Turn Clothes Inside Out

Reduce friction and preserve the exterior dye by turning your garments inside out before washing. This simple step minimizes agitation where it matters most—on the outside of your clothes.

Bonus Tip: Always close buttons, zippers, and clasps to prevent additional friction and damage.

Use Vinegar to Lock in Color

White distilled vinegar is a secret weapon for preserving dark colors. It helps lock in dye while naturally softening fabrics.

Try These Vinegar Hacks:

1. In the rinse cycle: Add 1 cup of vinegar to your wash during the rinse cycle to preserve color and remove detergent residue.
2. Pre-soak jeans: Turn your black jeans inside out and soak them in a mixture of 1 cup vinegar and cold water for 30 minutes. Rinse and hang dry.

Sort Laundry by Color and Fabric

Take a little extra time on laundry day to separate darks from lights and group similar fabrics together.

Why It’s Important:

• Dyes can bleed in the wash, so keep dark garments separate to avoid unwanted stains.
• Tough fabrics, like denim, can create excessive friction, which is especially harsh on delicate black garments.

Watch Out for Lint: Washing black clothes with lint-producing fabrics like towels can leave them covered in unsightly fuzz.

By following these simple tips, you can extend the life of your black clothes and keep them looking as bold as the day you bought them. Need help keeping your wardrobe fresh and flawless?

At Hangers Cleaners, we specialize in eco-friendly garment care tailored to your needs. Whether it’s everyday wear or your most delicate items, we’ve got you covered. Visit one of our Central Arkansas locations or schedule your free pickup and delivery today!

Experience the trusted care of Hangers Cleaners, a family-owned business with over 30 years of eco-friendly dry cleaning expertise in Central Arkansas. Enjoy convenience with five locations, 24-hour drop boxes, and free pickup and delivery—sign up today for 20% off your first two months!