The Dos and Don’ts of Washing Dark Clothes: Preventing Fading and Streaks

 

Dark clothes, whether it’s your favorite black jeans or that perfect navy sweater, can lose their vibrancy if not cared for properly. To keep your dark garments looking fresh and new, follow these dos and don’ts for washing dark clothes.

The Dos:

1. Do Turn Clothes Inside Out

   • Turning dark clothes inside out before washing helps protect the outer fabric from friction and agitation, which can cause fading. This simple step is especially important for items like jeans and graphic tees.

2. Do Use Cold Water

   • Always wash dark clothes in cold water. Hot water can cause the dye to bleed and fade faster. Cold water helps maintain the fabric color and prevents shrinking.

3. Do Use a Gentle Detergent for Darks

   • Choose a detergent specifically formulated for dark clothes. These detergents help maintain the color while still cleaning effectively. They are typically low in harsh chemicals and contain ingredients that prevent color fading.

4. Do Wash in Short Cycles

   • Use shorter wash cycles to reduce wear and tear on the fabric. Dark clothes generally don’t require heavy washing unless they are heavily soiled, so a quick or delicate cycle is often enough.

5. Do Sort Laundry by Color and Fabric Type

   • Always separate dark clothes from lighter colors to avoid color transfer. It’s also good practice to sort darks by fabric type—wash heavy fabrics like jeans separately from lighter items like t-shirts.

6. Do Air Dry When Possible

   • Air drying is gentler on dark clothes than tumble drying, which can cause fading. Hang clothes indoors out of direct sunlight, as sunlight can also fade dark colors.

7. Do Use Vinegar in the Rinse Cycle

   • Adding a half cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle helps set the dye and keeps colors vibrant. Vinegar also helps soften fabric naturally.

The Don’ts:

1. Don’t Overload the Washing Machine

   • Overloading the machine can lead to poor cleaning results and increased friction between clothes, causing streaks and fading. Give dark clothes enough space to move freely during the wash.

2. Don’t Use Too Much Detergent

   • Using too much detergent can leave residue on dark clothes, leading to streaks and dullness. Follow the recommended amount, and opt for liquid detergent, which dissolves better than powder and leaves less residue.

3. Don’t Skip the Fabric Softener Alternatives

   • Conventional fabric softeners can leave residue that dulls dark clothes. Instead, use alternatives like white vinegar or wool dryer balls to maintain softness without leaving streaks.

4. Don’t Dry Dark Clothes in Direct Sunlight

   • Sunlight can cause dark colors to fade quickly. If air drying outdoors, hang clothes in the shade or indoors where they are protected from direct UV rays.

5. Don’t Wash Dark Clothes Too Often

   • Unless they’re visibly dirty or smelly, dark clothes can usually be worn multiple times before washing. Over-washing accelerates color fading and wears out fabrics faster.

6. Don’t Use Hot Water or High Heat Drying

   • High temperatures can cause the dye to break down, leading to fading. Stick to cold washes and low heat or air drying for the best results.

7. Don’t Forget to Add a Color Catcher Sheet

   • Using a color catcher sheet in your wash can help absorb loose dye and prevent color transfer, keeping your dark clothes free from unwanted streaks and maintaining their rich color.

Conclusion

By following these simple dos and don’ts, you can keep your dark clothes looking newer for longer, prevent streaks, and avoid fading. With proper care, your dark wardrobe staples will stay as vibrant as the day you bought them.