Although there is a lot of information available on how to maintain your whites, have you ever given any thought to how to maintain your colors true and vibrant? Knowing how to properly wash dark clothing can allow you to keep wearing it for a very long time, whether you’re washing your favorite t-shirts, dark wash jeans, or your go-to sweatpants.
Read also: Best Laundry Tips to Make Clothes Look Brand New
Best Tips For Washing Dark Clothes
Separate Your Colors
You probably already keep your whites and colored clothes apart, but it’s crucial to keep your colors separate as well. The best way to preserve their real color over time is to keep dark clothing that is similar in hue apart.
To avoid any slight dye transfer that could degrade lighter darks, for example, blacks, dark blues, and deep reds should be grouped together, she explains. “Sorting dark clothes by shade is a simple step to ensure each item stays looking newer for longer.”
Make Use of Cold Water
With the exception of sanitary reasons, you can usually get away with doing the majority of your laundry in cold water. This is particularly valid when cleaning dark clothing. Hot water may cause shrinking and accelerate the fading of dark colors. For dark clothing, cold water works best since it maintains the dyes’ intensity.
Use Low Heat to Dry
Likewise, use a low-heat setting or hang your dark garments to avoid the intensive drying cycle. A heat-free tumble setting works well for some clothing, such as sportswear that wicks away perspiration. To preserve the integrity of the fabric, many clothing instructions advise customers to dry their purchases at a lower temperature. Consult the fabric care directions whenever in doubt.
Consider Mesh Bags
Sleeping on mesh laundry bags is not advised. Although they might appear “extra,” they can actually aid in shielding clothing from excessive washing cycle agitation, which can also cause color fading. “To help preserve color and reduce external agitation, we also advise turning your colorful garment inside out before laundering. For added protection, place it inside a large mesh bag.”
Keep the washer from being overloaded
Avoid giant loads and fight the impulse to stuff as much as possible into the washer and dryer. The efficacy of the wash is decreased when the washer is overloaded because the clothing cannot move freely. Friction between materials can result in fading or pilling, and dark clothing may not come out as clean.
Wash your dark clothing less frequently
Do you understand the difference between a “clean pile” and a “dirty pile”? Try to get used to the “in-between pile,” which consists of more durable items and clothes you haven’t worn in a long time or those you’ve worn in sweaty or dirty conditions. Sweats, pants, sweaters, and pajamas may fall under this category.
Read also: How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Clothes