Clothing > RepairingJanuary 17, 2011
Pin It

Keeping Dark Clothes From Fading

When washing clothing for the first time, that you do not want to fade, especially jeans or dark cottons, wash them without soap, but instead 1/2 cup of vinegar (any type) and 1/2 cup of salt, in cold water. Salt and vinegar will help set the dye. Rinse well. Do not use this on metallic fabrics, only cotton based.

Source: Home-Ec teacher from the 1970s (there, that showed my age!)

By mom-from-missouri from NW MO

Feedback

Read feedback for this post below.

By
01/18/2011

Where it's possible, I always wash everything inside out, including bedding. I find this also helps to stop fading.

Related

Archived Discussions

Below you can read previous posts and comments about this topic. The discussions on this page have been archived 2 times. Select a discussion and read the feedback here.

(Archived Jan 17, 2011)Keeping Clothes Dyed Black From Fading

Tip: Keeping Clothes Dyed Black From Fading

How do you set the dye in a new black Chef's jacket? I don't want this to fade out.

By Doris from Roanoke, VA

Feedback:

RE: Keeping Clothes Dyed Black From Fading

Thank you everyone! I have heard about the salt before, but have never tried this method. Vinegar, well I've never heard about this, but I think I will try this for now. (08/29/2010)

By fox1

RE: Keeping Clothes Dyed Black From Fading

After you set the black with the vinegar method in the other post, check your grocery store or discount store where you buy laundry detergent; several brands have come out with formulas specifically designed for dark clothes. Woolite even has one; Cheer and Tide come to mind, but you should check to see what you have locally for your use. Good luck! (08/31/2010)

By Ginnywest

(Archived Aug 29, 2010)Keeping Clothes Dyed Black From Fading

Request: Keeping Clothes Dyed Black From Fading

I have some black clothes that I need to dye to get them black again. Once I do, how can I set the color so that it doesn't fade again?

By Cricket from Parkton, NC

Feedback:

RE: Keeping Clothes Dyed Black From Fading

I think you're supposed to add a cup of table salt to the dye mixture. I haven't tried this, so I can't say for sure if it works. But salt is pretty cheap. It's worth a try. (11/02/2009)

By Southern Saver

RE: Keeping Clothes Dyed Black From Fading

Seems like all black/dark garments fade after some time. Be careful when laundering them. Use cool water and wash dark clothes together. Don't use powdered detergent as it leaves a film, liquid is best. Turn the items inside out. Don't wash the clothes frequently. Try to get several wearings between washings. Rinse twice to remove soap residue which appears white. Tumble dry inside out on low heat for 10 minutes, then let air dry. It takes a lot of work to keep dark things looking nice. (11/02/2009)

By OliveOyl

RE: Keeping Clothes Dyed Black From Fading

Before their first wash, soak your black garments overnight in lightly salted water, or a solution of vinegar and water. Both salt and vinegar are known to set colors. Vinegar may also be used in the final rinse cycle and black clothes will appear brighter. Any scent should disappear after the clothes have dried. Make sure to wash all your black clothes with like dark colored clothing. Never mix your blacks with light colored clothing when laundering. Lint from light items tends to adhere to darks, causing them to appear fuzz laden. Since black clothes attract lint like magnets, always keep a lint brush handy for quick touch ups. The info should be with the dye, good luck. (11/02/2009)

By kffrmw88

RE: Keeping Clothes Dyed Black From Fading

Vinegar and water solution works great to set color! Also, always wash and dry black or dark clothing turned inside out because that helps keep the outer fabric from being beat up so badly. The washing agitation and dryer tumbling is part of the reason color fades ;-) (11/05/2009)

By Deeli

RE: Keeping Clothes Dyed Black From Fading

Add salt to your final rinse water. (11/05/2009)

By dcsprsmm

Post Feedback

Your thoughts are welcomed and appreciated. Enter your feedback here!

Feedback:

Image Upload:

Add an image to your post! Click the "Browse" button above and select an image from your hard drive. Please only select gifs or jpegs. If you have any problems, please contact us.

  

facebook like arrowLike ThriftyFun on Facebook

Browse Topics

Over 80,000 tips, recipes, questions & crafts.

Ask a Question

Submit a question to the TF community.

Subscribe to ThriftyFun Newsletters!

Email: