Black jeans lovers, take note as your laundry habits could be causing your favourite denims to lose their colour prematurely. The dark hue of black jeans comes from a significant amount of dye, which gradually fades with each wash. To help maintain that just-bought look, Mrs Hinch fans have shared some savvy tips after one cleaning enthusiast sought advice on Facebook.
On the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips page, Orla Coyle asked fellow followers: “What’s the best way to wash black jeans so they don’t fade?” The fading of denim is due to its dyeing process, where yarn is coloured by being soaked in dye and then oxidised to bind the colour to the fibres. Since the dye doesn’t penetrate the core of the yarn, it eventually wears off, revealing the undyed portion. But fear not, there are ways to delay this fading.
In the comments section, many suggested turning the black jeans inside out before washing and adding white vinegar to the washing machine drawer or soaking them in the acidic liquid for a few minutes first.
Nancy Rolfsrud advised: “Turn them inside out and add one cup of white vinegar.”LaQuitta Woodall recommended: “So soak them in vinegar for a little while, before you wash them, it will set the colour dye.”
Sarah Clark commented: “We add white vinegar to all our black washes and it works amazingly for us. Our black jeans have never faded.”
Vera Jakovljevic remarked: “White vinegar works best on black jeans and is also a great disinfectant.”
Ryan Edwards shared: “I always wash all my dark clothes inside out, especially jeans (even light ones) and use white vinegar. Always does the trick.”
Janet Cole advised: “Make sure your black jeans have been turned inside out and add white vinegar to the wash. It locks in the colour, keeping them black.”
Experts agree that vinegar can help keep jeans from fading. White vinegar, which contains a mild acid known as acetic acid, is particularly effective at locking in dye and preventing fabric bleeding.
For best results, set the dye in new jeans after purchasing them and during every wash after. It’s an easy solution, as white vinegar is likely already sitting in most kitchen cupboards. If not, it’s affordably available at local supermarkets.
For those seeking alternative options, Mrs Hinch enthusiasts recommend another kitchen essential – salt. Samantha Jones suggested: “[A] tablespoon of salt stops the fabric bleeding. Put it directly into the drum for best results.”
Tracey Hankins instructed: “Put a teaspoon of salt in and wash on cold. Do not tumble dry.”
Diane Oneal advised: “Inside out with salt added to the water. Salt supposedly sets the dye so they don’t fade as badly in later washes.”
Ruth Rutter suggested: “Wash in salt and keep away from the sun. Dry indoors.”
