How To Keep Dark Clothing From Fading in the Wash

It’s a major pain when you spend your hard-earned money on a rich navy top, only for the color to start looking dull and decidedly un-rich within just a few weeks. The saga of eternally fading clothes is par for the course when your dark, neutral staples are washed on the regular —- especially if you’re apt to toss them into the washer after a long day and hope for the best.

Fortunately, there’s a way out of the cycle. Here’s how you can ensure your darks stay dark.

How To Wash Dark Clothes More Efficiently 

Rest assured that the key to maintaining your wardrobe’s deepest darks does not require you to wash them less. Instead, the American Cleaning Institute suggests washing your darks inside-out in cold water and then laying them flat or hanging them to dry. Hot water (and air) can exacerbate color fading, as can overly long or large wash cycles. Too many pieces in a load creates friction, which can cause even more fading. 

Follow Washing Instructions Closely

Remember to adhere to the washing instructions on the garment’s tag; doing so will help you get the most out of your clothes long-term. As outlined by Whirlpool, dulled color is due to tiny breakage and tears that occur in the clothing fibers, which expose the fiber ends, giving the piece a faded look. The delicate setting on your washing machine is shorter and gentler, which means fabric fibers won’t endure so much breakage so quickly. You also should consider using fabric softener (if the piece allows it) to help create a barrier between your clothing and its biggest threat: heat.

Use the Dryer Selectively 

The dryer isn’t necessarily a death sentence for your darks. According to the ACI, regularly cleaning the dryer’s lint trap will prevent your pieces from picking up fuzz from lighter fabrics and becoming dull. You can also use a dryer sheet to help repel pet hair and even more lint, ensuring your garment doesn’t emerge with a new, light layer. A low heat setting and prompt removal of your clothes from the dryer when they’re still a little bit damp can help, too: The clothes will rub against each other less, which will help them wear better.

Salt Is a Surprising Secret Weapon

Thanks to a tip from styling and organization influencer Chantel Mila, most of us already have a special ingredient to keep our dark colors from fading: salt. After fastening buttons and zippers (to cut down on washing friction) and setting your washer to cold, Mila suggests adding half a cup of table salt into the drum, which can prevent colors from bleeding. You’ll also want to opt for liquid detergent over powdered to eliminate the risk of white streaks.

There’s Hope for Faded Clothes

As for clothes that are already dull and faded, there’s still a chance to salvage them — and once again, it’s thanks to an ingredient stocked in most pantries. TikToker Nicole Jacques (an expert in cleaning tips!) uses brewed coffee to help bring vibrancy back to faded dark pieces. Jacques recommends pouring 2 to 3 cups of dark roast coffee onto the clothes as the drum fills with cold water (with no detergent). Set the rinse cycle, and then wash again (this time with detergent) on cold and delicate.