How to keep black & dark-colored clothes from fading

Step 1: Read clothing labels for washing and drying instructions

Before washing your clothes, always check your garment’s care tag for proper washing and drying instructions, including any dry cleaning requirements. The care tag symbols and recommendations for washing and drying can help prevent fading to keep your clothes looking vivid and new, as well as prevent deterioration.

The care tag will let you know if you need a normal or delicate cycle. Delicate cycles are shorter and gentler, making them a good option for washing dark or black clothes.

Step 2: Wash black clothes and dark-colored clothes separately

Sorting your dark-colored clothing before washing helps prevent dye transfers and color absorption with lighter colors. Additionally, separating your laundry by fabric type and weight can also prevent unwanted lint and pilling to your dark fabrics, which may cause a faded, aged appearance.

In fact, if heavy duty fabrics like denim rub against more delicate fabrics in the wash cycle, it can exacerbate wear and tear on the more delicate item, leading to a distressed look.

Step 3: Turn clothes inside out before washing

To wash your clothes without fading, be sure to turn the garments inside out before placing them into the washing machine. This allows the inside of the clothing to take the brunt of the agitation and fading from the washing cycle, while still ensuring a thorough, clean wash.

Be mindful to avoid overloading the washing machine to allow clothing to move around freely inside the drum.

Step 4: Use cold water and a delicate cycle to wash dark clothes

After you have separated your dark-colored clothing and turned the garments inside out, activate a short, delicate washing cycle in cold water. The shorter cycle and cold water temperature minimize the agitation to your clothing and help prevent the dyes from bleeding.

For more laundering tips, learn how to wash dark and light-colored clothing with this handy guide.

Step 5: Choose the right laundry detergent to preserve dark colors

A liquid detergent tailored for dark clothing is the best method to prevent fading. However, if you only have regular detergent on hand, using a small amount is recommended in the washing cycle, preferably liquid over powder to avoid unwanted residue on your clothes.

Make sure to add the detergent to the drum prior to inserting your clothing. Adding detergent directly on top of clothing may cause unwanted spots or stains.

For additional care with an optimized cleanse, check out Swash^® Laundry Detergent from Whirlpool Corporation for your family’s needs.¹

Step 6: Avoid using too much detergent

If your washing machine does not include an automatic dispenser, it is recommended to use a small amount of concentrated detergent. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the right amount of detergent for your load size.

For added convenience, features like the Load & Go™ Dispenser in select Whirlpool^® Washing Machines take the guesswork out of how much detergent to add and handle the process for you.

Step 7: Use fabric softener to prevent fading

Adding fabric softener to your washing process can prevent dark clothes from fading by reducing friction in the wash. This step also leaves your clothes feeling brand new with a fresh scent and soft touch.

Step 8: Dry clothes on a low heat setting or air dry

Drying clothes on a low heat setting or air drying can prevent damage and keep clothes from fading. To avoid exposure to sunlight, opt for an indoor drying rack instead of an outdoor clothesline.

Additionally, utilizing the tumble dry setting without heat on your dryer can also provide an efficient, convenient alternative to air drying.

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