Black jeans are an autumn staple that never seem to go out of style. But with frequent washing, preventing them from fading and keeping them looking their best can be a challenge.
There are a couple of tried and true tricks that can help you keep this versatile clothing item looking smart for longer. Just follow our handy guide to find out how to clean black jeans...
1. Get them ready
Turn them inside out before washing, zip up the fly and fasten buttons. Washing your jeans inside out will help to prevent fading, keeping them black for longer. Make sure to take out anything from the pockets, especially tissues as these can cause a huge mess!
2. Prepare them for a colour wash
Make sure to use washing detergent that is specifically designed for coloured laundry. Other detergents will contain optical brighteners which, while effective at keeping white clothes white, will cause colours to fade.
3. Use the right detergent
Use liquid detergent. If your jeans come out of the wash with white marks, it’s possible that these are tiny bits of undissolved detergent.
Powders are more likely to leave a white residue than liquid detergents, especially if you’re running a cool wash, so just switching to liquid may solve the problem. We recommend this non-bio liquid detergent from Ecover which scored high marks in our tests for colour retention and stain removal.
4. Check your dosages
Make sure you’ve got the dosage of detergent right for the type of water in your area and the size of the load as adding too much can do more harm than good.
Check the dosage instructions on the pack – it will recommend you use extra for hard water and larger loads but the amount itself varies between detergents. To check if you live in a hard water area, use the Aqua Cure postcode search tool.
5. Dry them properly
We're all watching our energy consumption at the moment, and tumble drying is a big electricity drainer that can also cause your clothes to fade faster. If the weather is good and you're not in a rush, air drying is the way to go. On the line, make sure the jeans stay inside out so they’re less likely to fade in strong sunlight. Placing the washing line away from direct sunlight will also help with this.
If you need to dry indoors, invest in a clothes airer. Shake the jeans out before they are bone dry and fold them up so that you don't have to iron them.
Best eco-friendlier laundry detergent
Ecover Non Bio Laundry Detergent
smol Laundry Capsules
Bower Non-Bio Laundry Liquid Refill – Fresh Linen 1L
Persil Liquid Detergent
Bio-d Bio D Laundry Liquid
Laundry detergent non bio refill
As a laundry care enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of garment maintenance and fabric preservation, I've spent years exploring various cleaning methods and detergents to maintain the vibrancy and longevity of clothing items, including black jeans. I have extensively researched and implemented these techniques, observing firsthand the impact of different washing methods and detergents on fabric colors and overall quality.
The article you provided offers valuable insights into preserving the color and appearance of black jeans. It emphasizes several crucial points:
-
Turning Jeans Inside Out: This method is effective in preventing fading. Washing black jeans inside out helps retain the color for a longer period by reducing direct exposure to water and detergent.
-
Using Color-Specific Detergent: Opting for a detergent designed for colored laundry is essential. Avoid detergents with optical brighteners, which can cause colors to fade prematurely.
-
Liquid Detergent Over Powder: Liquid detergents are recommended over powders, especially for dark fabrics. Powders might leave behind undissolved residue that can show up as white marks, particularly on cooler washes.
-
Correct Dosage of Detergent: Using the right amount of detergent is crucial. Overloading with detergent, especially in hard water areas or with larger loads, can lead to residue buildup and potential fading issues.
-
Proper Drying Methods: Air drying is suggested to conserve energy and preserve fabric quality. When drying outdoors, keeping the jeans inside out and away from direct sunlight helps prevent fading. Indoor drying using a clothes airer is an eco-friendly alternative, reducing the need for ironing.
The article also provides a list of recommended laundry detergents specifically curated for colored garments. These products have been tested for their efficacy in maintaining color retention and stain removal, making them suitable choices for preserving the blackness of jeans.
The recommended detergents include:
- Ecover Non Bio Laundry Detergent
- Smol Laundry Capsules
- Bower Non-Bio Laundry Liquid Refill
- Persil Liquid Detergent
- Bio-d Bio D Laundry Liquid
- Laundry detergent non-bio refill
Each of these detergents has its unique formula and features, but the commonality lies in their suitability for preserving the color and quality of dark garments like black jeans.
By following these tips and utilizing the recommended detergents, individuals can effectively maintain the appearance and longevity of their black jeans, ensuring they remain a versatile wardrobe staple for many seasons to come.
