How to Wash Dark Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric

Your dark clothes are fading. Maybe your black jeans are turning gray, or your dark shirts are losing their color. Dark clothes fade when washed incorrectly, but you can prevent fading and keep dark clothes looking new with the right methods. Here’s how to wash dark clothes without damaging the fabric.

Dark clothes fade due to hot water (opens fibers and releases dye), agitation (causes friction that removes dye), sunlight (UV rays break down dye), and detergent residue (dulls colors). Washing dark clothes correctly requires cold water, gentle cycles, the right detergent, and air drying away from direct sunlight.

To wash dark clothes, turn them inside out, wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, use Tide Free and Gentle, add vinegar to the rinse, air dry or use low heat, and store away from sunlight. Don’t use hot water, don’t use chlorine bleach, and don’t wash darks with whites.

What Works

Turn Clothes Inside Out

Turning dark clothes inside out reduces friction on the outer surface, which prevents fading. The inside takes the wear instead of the outside.

Wash in Cold Water

Cold water (60 to 80F) prevents dye from bleeding and fading. Hot water opens fibers and releases dye.

Use a Gentle Cycle

A gentle or delicate cycle reduces agitation, which reduces friction and fading. Use the gentle cycle for dark clothes.

Use Tide Free and Gentle

Tide Free and Gentle is gentle on fabric and doesn’t leave residue that dulls colors. Use 2 tablespoons per regular load.

Add Vinegar to the Rinse

Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse. Vinegar removes detergent residue and helps set the dye.

Add Baking Soda to the Wash

Add half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda to the wash. Baking soda softens water and helps maintain color.

Don’t Overload the Washer

Overloading increases friction between clothes, which causes fading. Fill no more than 3/4 full.

Wash Dark Clothes Together

Wash dark clothes with other dark clothes. Don’t wash darks with whites or light colors.

Air Dry or Use Low Heat

Air drying is gentlest on dark clothes. If you use the dryer, use the lowest heat setting.

Dry Inside Out

Dry dark clothes inside out to protect the outer surface.

Don’t Dry in Direct Sunlight

UV rays break down dye. Dry dark clothes in the shade or indoors.

Use Lysol for Disinfecting

Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to the rinse for heavily soiled dark loads.

Clean the Machine Monthly

Use affresh Washing Machine Cleaner monthly.

Pre-Treat Stains

Pre-treat stains on dark clothes with:

• Oil and grease: Dawn Ultra Dish Soap
• Food and organic: OxiClean Max Force Spray
• Heavy grease: Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam
• Ink: Amodex Ink and Stain Remover

What to Avoid

Don’t use hot water. Hot water opens fibers and releases dye. Use cold water.

Don’t use chlorine bleach. Chlorine bleach strips color. Use oxygen bleach if needed.

Don’t wash darks with whites. Dye can transfer. Wash darks with darks.

Don’t use the heavy duty cycle. Heavy agitation causes friction and fading. Use gentle.

Don’t dry in direct sunlight. UV rays break down dye. Dry in the shade.

Don’t use too much detergent. Excess detergent leaves residue that dulls colors.

Don’t use fabric softener. It can dull dark colors. Use vinegar instead.

Don’t overload the washer. Overloading increases friction and fading.

FAQ

How do you wash dark clothes without fading? Turn inside out, wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, use Tide Free and Gentle, add vinegar to the rinse, air dry or use low heat, and dry away from direct sunlight.

What temperature should you wash dark clothes at? Cold water (60 to 80F). Cold water prevents dye from bleeding and fading.

Should you turn dark clothes inside out before washing? Yes. Turning dark clothes inside out reduces friction on the outer surface, which prevents fading.

Can you use bleach on dark clothes? Use oxygen bleach only. Don’t use chlorine bleach on dark clothes as it strips color.

How do you keep dark clothes from fading? Wash in cold water, use a gentle cycle, turn inside out, add vinegar to the rinse, air dry, don’t dry in sunlight, and don’t wash with whites.

References

1. Tide. “How to Wash Dark Clothes.” tide.com.
2. The Spruce. “Dark Clothes Guide.” thespruce.com.
3. Good Housekeeping. “Dark Clothes Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
4. Consumer Reports. “Laundry Guide.” consumerreports.org.