There’s nothing more annoying than dark jeans fading in the wash, but a cleaning expert has shared a simple trick to stop it from happening – and it involves two kitchen cupboard staples
It’s incredibly frustrating when your favourite dark denim fades after a wash.
No matter how carefully you handle them, the rich dye seems to diminish over time. That ‘off black’ faded look just doesn’t have the punch of fresh jet black jeans, and despite denim not requiring frequent laundering suggested at every three to ten wears we know the vibrancy is likely to dwindle post-wash number three.
For those seeking to maintain their denim’s bold hue, Sarah Dempsey, a cleaning and laundry expert from Myjobquote.co.uk, Britain’s premier trades matching platform, has come through with a nifty hack. To prevent your dark denims from losing their lustre in the wash and stop dye leakage that could spoil other garments, Sarah has divulged some golden tips.
Her laundry wisdom includes: “Turn dark jeans inside out before washing and use a colour-preserving detergent.” Additionally, she says: “Wash similar dark colours together and keep the wash temperature low, use the cold setting if necessary.”
Plus, giving dark jeans a soak in white vinegar and salt occasionally can help cement the dye within the fabric, thwarting the fading process. To try this trick, simply mix a bit of distilled white vinegar and salt into a bowl or bucket brimming with water. The salt works to secure the dye in the denim while the vinegar prevents colour run by sealing the dye into the material’s fibres.
A bottle of Sainsbury’s Table Salt is priced at 65p, Asda Table Salt also costs 65p, and Cook With MandS Table Salt is available for 40p from Ocado. Salt isn’t just for seasoning; it can also be used in cleaning to brighten colours and eliminate stains on various fabrics.
White vinegar, however, is slightly pricier, with online prices starting from £3.99.