Learn How to Keep Dark Clothes from Fading

photo credit: aphasiafilms via photopin cc

Ever wonder how to keep your dark clothes from fading in the laundry? So what's the big secret? Dark clothing is anything black, navy blue, or purple, etc., of course, but this method works for any piece of colored clothing that you'd like to keep like new.

There's nothing more annoying than buying new clothes and having them fade in the laundry after washing them a few times. This is frustrating unless of course, you like your clothes to have that faded look. Some things I don't mind a little faded...some.

My Trick

Well I have a trick that can keep them from fading a bit longer. I learned this trick years ago when my older sons were smaller. A few years ago I stopped doing this trick and things started to fade again. I really don't know why I stopped doing it... I think I just got so busy with life.

Okay, so on to my trick... It's very simple -- are you ready? All you do is turn the clothing inside out while washing and drying. You can turn the clothing inside out while drying only, but it's optimal to do it both while washing and drying.

Other Tips

Avoid Hot Water: Another tip is to try to avoid using hot water when washing dark clothing. I know that sometimes it's hard to do that if you have a child that is a natural born slob (like I used to be -- well, still am!) or with any child for that matter -- hey, things happen.

What I do if I have to use hot water is this -- I also use OxiClean and with OxiClean you have to use hot water in order for it to dissolve, so I dissolve the Oxi in hot water first, then I change the water over to either cold or warm. If you don't use OxiClean and want to keep clothes stain-free, which is your reason for using hot water, then try using a detergent that fights stains with cold water.

Line Dry: During the warmer months of the year try line drying your dark clothing if you're able to.

You can use the inside out trick with anything dark, or any other piece of colored clothing to keep it looking like new a little longer. Dark t-shirts, sweatshirts, jeans, pastels, anything! It really works great. Give it a try and let me know if it works for you too. :D