Black pants and sweaters worn over other layers of clothing can usually be worn up to four or five times before needing to be put through the wash, especially if the clothes are only worn indoors. Similarly, if you only wear the garment for a few hours a day, it can likely be set aside and worn again without going through a washing cycle. Note, however, that black undergarments and socks should be washed after one wearing. In between washings, you can treat stains with stain remover and eliminate chalky residue from deodorant with a dry sponge.
Aside from separating clothes according to color, you should also separate them according to weight. Doing so can protect the weave and color of your more delicate black garments.
Black color fades due to the friction that results when clothes rub against each other in the washing machine. More precisely, friction causes the fibers to break, and the ends of those fibers are exposed. Since the surface of the fabric is disrupted, the human eye sees less color, even when no dye has actually been lost. You can further reduce the amount of abrasion and friction your clothes experience by closing zippers and fastening any hooks.
Warm water breaks down fibers, which is why the colors fade faster in warm wash cycles. [5] X Expert Source Ayad MirjanDry Cleaner & Laundry Specialist Expert Interview. 11 August 2021. Your cold water cycle should use water ranging between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15. 6 and 26. 7 degrees Celsius) and no warmer. Note that you may need to change your laundry habits during cold winter weather. Freezing cold outdoor temperatures can cause the water temperature of your washing machine to drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4. 4 degrees Celsius). In temperatures this low, even liquid detergents may not be entirely effective. If the temperature outdoors drop below 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-17. 8 degrees Celsius), you should consider using a warm water wash and a cold water rinse.
A delicate cycle works well when in doubt, but as a general rule, you should still choose settings that are appropriate based on how soiled the clothes are and the type of fabric the clothes are made from.
If you do not use a detergent labeled for dark colors, use one formulated for cold water loads. These detergents can partially neutralize the chlorine in tap water, which is important since chlorine bleaches and lightens black clothes. Note that detergents do not necessarily contribute to fading, even though some help prevent it more than others. Any liquid detergent is suitable, but you should not use any bleach. Liquid detergents work better than powder detergents in cold water. Powders tend not to dissolve completely in cold water, especially when you use a short cycle.
When you line dry black clothes outside, make sure that you place them in an area away from the sun. Sunlight acts as a natural bleach, which will fade your black clothes faster. If you do need to use the dryer, use the lowest temperature possible based on the type of material the clothes are made from. You should also watch the clothes carefully to make sure that they do not become over-dry or too warm. Remove the clothes while they are still slightly damp to be on the safe side. Keep your black clothes away from the sun as you air-dry them. [8] X Expert Source Ayad MirjanDry Cleaner & Laundry Specialist Expert Interview. 11 August 2021.
Adding vinegar to the rinse cycle has several benefits, including those that pertain to preserving black clothes. This household miracle fix can set colors and also strip fabric of detergent residue. That residue can otherwise create a film on your clothes, making the color appear faded. Vinegar is also a natural clothing softener. The vinegar should evaporate during the rinse cycle, so usually, no smell will be left behind. If a smell does linger, however, air drying the clothes should get rid of it.
Salt can help prevent color dyes, including black dye, from bleeding. It is especially helpful when used on new clothes, but it can help restore the color of old clothes by rubbing off detergent residue.
The abrasiveness of black pepper strips away residue responsible for some of the fading, and the black tint of the pepper can help strengthen the dark hue of the dye. The black pepper should wash out during the rinse cycle.
Baking soda is commonly used to help brighten whites as a form of non-chlorine bleach. As a non-chlorine bleach, however, it can also be used to brighten other colors, including black.
Coffee and black tea are both used as natural dyes. Even though they dye light fabrics brown, on black fabrics, they strengthen the black dye and darken the overall hue of the garment.
