Despite being a popular wardrobe staple, black jeans are notorious for fading quickly, causing frustration and disappointment for many consumers. How can you keep black jeans from fading, and how do you wash jeans without causing them to fade?
Black Jeans are a wardrobe staple. They can be paired with a wide of casual and formal items very effectively. They can also be worn by women and men alike and there’s a denim cut out there for everyone. You can find skinny jeans, wide-leg jeans, mom jeans, and the list is limitless.
If you have been following fashion, you know that black color is so popular. Added to the traditional blue denim, black jeans become the new go-to clothing item for both casual and formal outfits and now they’re simply a wardrobe staple.
But anyone who loves wearing black jeans knows in advance that after several washes and exposure to Sun rays, black jeans start to lose their colour and turn into more of a washed-out grey hue.
For some fashionists, this change in color is great as it has a more distressed look, for others like me, they will be frustrated since they like precisely that black color which is more prestigious
For those of you that experienced such a problem, we have put together a guide of how to prevent your jeans from losing their colour, including tricks for restoring the original shade and ways to prevent them from fading in the future. But as a starting point, we should know why are our black jeans fading? So keep reading our article.
Why Do Black Jeans Fade?
Before we discuss how to keep black jeans from fading, it’s important to understand why they fade in the first place. The fading process is caused by several factors, including the type of fabric, the dye used, the washing method, and the amount of wear and tear the jeans go through.
Most black jeans are made from cotton or a cotton blend, which is known for its absorbency. This means that the fabric can absorb water and other liquids, including detergents and bleach. When the fabric absorbs these substances, it can weaken the dye molecules, causing them to break down and fade.
In addition, the dye used to color black jeans is often a synthetic dye, which can be less stable than natural dyes. Synthetic dyes are more susceptible to fading when exposed to sunlight, heat, and other environmental factors.
Finally, the washing method can also contribute to the fading process. When jeans are washed in hot water or with harsh detergents, the dye can break down and fade. Similarly, when jeans are dried in a hot dryer, the heat can cause the dye to fade.
In this video, Thomas explains why denim fades:
Now that we know why black jeans fade, let’s discuss how to keep them from fading.
How To Keep Black Jeans Black?
Black denim jeans are the go-to option for many persons. with that in mind, we should extend the life of these bottoms, For those unsure how to prevent them from fading (stop the color from lightening) We’ll offer up some helping ideas to consider. So let’s take a look!
-
#1- Set The Dye
If you have a new pair of black jeans, try setting the dye before washing it for the first time to help lock in the color. All what you need to do is to soak your jeans in a bath or a large bucket, combining cold water with a cup of vinegar and tablespoon of salt
-
#2- Wash Your Jeans Less Frequently
Avoid washing your black jeans regularly because this could actually cause them to lose their original color prematurely. especially if you’re washing them in a machine. Instead, wash your jeans less frequently (every 4 weeks or so). We would also recommend to wash them by hand rather than throwing them in the machine. This’ll prevent your jeans from going through a rough cycle which can damage the texture as well as the color of your jeans
-
#3- Use Cold Water
Cold Water helps reduce the jeans’ dye from bleeding. So Use a sink, combining cold water and a natural soap to wash them. But, if you’re trying to remove a stain from your jeans, you can wash them in hot soap and water The thing is, dye behaves similarly to a stain and can be removed over time when exposed to the same environment
-
#4- Invest in Color Protecting Detergent
The perfect way to lock in the color of your black jeans is to wash them in a sink or a bath combining cold water with a cup of detergent specifically designed for dark clothes or simply soak your jeans in a large bucket or a bath combining cold water with a cup of vinegar and a tablespoon of salt, if of course you don’t have that specialised detergent.
I can recommend some highly-rated and popular detergents that can help keep black jeans from fading:
- 1# Woolite Darks Laundry Detergent: Woolite is a popular brand known for its gentle yet effective cleaning products. Their Woolite Darks Laundry Detergent is specifically designed to keep dark colors from fading or bleeding, making it a great choice for black jeans.
- 2# Tide Studio Liquid Laundry Detergent: Tide is another well-known brand that offers a variety of laundry detergents for different needs. Their Studio Liquid Laundry Detergent is formulated to protect colors and prevent fading, and it also has a pleasant fragrance.
- 3# OxiClean Dark Protect: this is an excellent laundry booster that effectively removes stains and protects dark fabrics from fading. Customers have reported that it works well and leaves clothes looking bright and new, making it a great addition to any laundry routine.
- 4# CHEER Liquid Laundry Detergent: this is a high-quality detergent that effectively removes stains and dirt, leaving clothes fresh and clean. Its easy-to-use packaging and large size make it a great choice for families or those who do a lot of laundry. Customers have reported that it works well on a variety of fabrics and colors, making it a reliable option for everyday use.
- 5# Perwoll Liquid Detergent Renew & Repair For Black And Darks: this is a great detergent that effectively renews and repairs dark colors while providing a powerful clean. It’s convenient packaging and advanced formula make it a reliable option for everyday use. Customers have reported that it works well on tough stains and keeps dark fabrics looking vibrant and new.
-
#5- Wash With Other Dark Clothes to Reduce Fading
The best way to protect the colour of your black jeans is to wash them with similar dark colors to help avoid fading. For instance, wash your jeans with other black clothing, especially new black clothing or black clothing that has a tendency to bleed.
-
#6- Wash Inside Out
Turn your jeans inside out while washing them, this will prevent the outside of your jeans from having a direct contact with soap and water and thus helping protect the color for longer
-
#7- Avoid Using The Dryer
Again, never put your jeans in the dryer, as the heat can make your jeans fade faster Instead air dry your jeans on a drying rack and preferably, keep your jeans out of direct sunlight because as we have mentioned above, they’ll fade due to the sunlight
How do You Fix Faded Black Jeans?
To fix faded black jeans, I would recommend to Follow These Steps:
- Wash your jeans in cold water to remove any residue or dirt that could interfere with the dyeing process.
- Use a big plastic bucket, bowl or a utility sink
- follow the steps on your dye of choice to create the dye bath
- let your jeans soak for the recommended amount of time
- rinse your jeans under cold water and lock in the color before washing in a cold wash
- air dry your jeans on a drying rack or hanging from the belt hooks for minimum creases
Method1: Cleaning Your Jeans Without a Washing Machine
-
#1- Wash Your Jeans by Hand in Cold Water
The best method for cleaning your new pair of jeans is to wash them by hands using cold water.
This’ll help reduce the denim’s dye from bleeding. Try to use a natural soap and don’t apply too much pressure when scrubbing to avoid damaging the original color of your pants
-
#2- Hang Your Jeans Outside
Hang your jeans up during the day to make them dry. Keep them out of direct sunlight otherwise they’ll fade quickly
-
#3- Mist and Freeze Your Jeans
There is an other alternative to cleaning your jeans by hand. This technique is to mist and freeze them. To be more obvious, here are the steps:
- Use a squirt bottle and fill with one part cold water and the other part vodka
- Spray down the jeans with this solution
- hang your jeans on a clothesline
- once they have dried, place them in a freezer.
-
#4- Use Stain Removers
Remove stains as you get them to reduce the amount of washing times. There are many products that you can use as stain removers. The best of which are
- Pine Sol Wooden floor polish removes tough grease stains
- Motsenbocker’s Lift Off removes paint without damaging the dye of the denim
-
#5- Steam Your Jeans
Another way to freshen your Jeans safely is by steaming them. Here you have two options: Whether to use an iron’s steam function or bring your jeans into the shower. Here are the steps to follow:
- place your jeans on a hanger
- take a hot shower as you normally would, and when you’re done the jeans will be fresher than before
- Steam removes odor from your jeans, it’s similar to misting and freezing technique
Method2: Using a Washing Machine and Drying
-
#1- Set The Denim’s Dye With Vinegar
Turn your jeans inside out and submerge them into a bath or a large bucket or a sink combining cold water with a cup of distilled vinegar. Let the jeans become fully soaked for the recommended amount of time (approximately from 30 seconds to 1 minute before removing them)
This method helps set the jeans’ dye and prevents it from fading in the washing machine
- Recommended Product: #Heinz Cleaning Vinegar = This vinegar is a more concentrated version of regular white vinegar, with 6% acidity instead of the usual 5%. It’s great for cleaning and can also be used to set dye in fabric, including black jeans.
-
#2- Use a Washing Machine
set your machine to cold and gentle cycle to prevent your jeans from going through a rough cycle then in the same way you wash your whites together, make sure to wash your black jeans with similar colors after turning them inside-out
-
#3- Do Not Put Them in The Dryer
If you want to extend the life of your new pair of black jeans and preserve their original dark color, never put them in the dryer because this will make them fade with times
Instead, air dry your jeans on a drying rack. This is a good way to preserve the longevity of your jean’s quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Keeping Black Jeans From Fading
-
Q1: Should I Wash Black Jeans in Hot or Cold Water?
A: To prevent fading, it is best to wash black jeans in cold water. Hot water can cause the dye to bleed and fade more quickly.
-
Q2: Is It OK to Wear Faded Black Jeans?
A: Yes, it is generally okay to wear faded black jeans, as long as they are in good condition and appropriate for the occasion. Faded black jeans can be a stylish and versatile addition to any wardrobe, and can be dressed up or down depending on the situation. However, keep in mind that some formal or professional settings may require a more polished or darker look, so it’s important to consider the dress code and expectations of the situation.
Ultimately, as long as you feel confident and comfortable in your faded black jeans, you should feel free to wear them with pride.
-
Q3: Can I Use Fabric Softener on Black Jeans?
A: It is not recommended to use fabric softener on black jeans as it can cause the dye to fade faster. Instead, use a gentle detergent specifically designed for dark colors.
