How to Prevent Black Jeans From Fading

Careful laundering can help black jeans fade less quickly.

Each time black jeans go through the washer and dryer, the fabric is worn a little more. This, coupled with actually wearing the jeans, slowly strips them of their black coloration. Reduce the wear when laundering and greatly increase the amount of time they retain that "new" look. Always use gentle, color-safe products when washing colored items. Harsh detergents don't always rinse away completely and make darker clothes look dull and faded.

Things You'll Need

• Washer and dryer
• Color-safe laundry detergent

Instructions

1. Turn the black jeans inside out and place them in the washing machine. Set the load to run on a cool-water setting.

2. Add 1 cup color-safe laundry detergent. Run the jeans through a normal wash cycle.

3. Place the jeans in the dryer, with them still inside out, and dry them on a cool-tumble cycle. Hang them inside out if you are drying them outdoors.

4. Turn them right-side out and fold when dry.

Tips & Warnings

• When the black jeans have begun to fade, add a pint of strong coffee or tea to the rinse cycle. This will help bring back the coloring.

• Only use the recommended amount of detergent. Too much detergent gives jeans a faded look, simply because the detergent has not all rinsed out.

References

• Safe Natural Tips: Keeping Jeans From Fading

Resources

• Creative Homemaking: Laundry Cleaning Tips