Dark jeans won't fade if you add 1 natural item to your wash cycle that 'sets the colour'
A clothing expert has shared a simple laundry tip that will prevent your jeans from fading and keep them looking brand new, even after they've been washed multiple times.
Dark blue and black jeans are wardrobe staples, but they do have a habit of fading after being washed, which can be frustrating, especially if they're new. The reason jeans start to fade is that during each laundry cycle, the dye is stripped away. Hot water, in particular, opens up the fabric fibres, which allows dyes to escape. Harsh detergents, frequent washing, and aggressive spin cycles also contribute to jeans becoming faded and worn-looking.
Not only can jeans start to look faded, but they can also start losing their structure and fit, which can make them baggy and ill-fitting. Fortunately, according to Leanna Spektor, co-founder and style expert at Brand House Direct – an Australian online retailer specialising in footwear and apparel – there's a simple solution that most people aren't aware of.
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Ms Spektor said: “Most people think fading is just part of owning jeans, but it doesn't have to be. There's one trick that changes everything, and it uses something you probably already have in your kitchen cupboard.”
The clothing expert suggested adding a cup of white vinegar to your wash and to only wash them inside out using cold water.
She added: “White vinegar is a natural dye fixative. It helps set the colour into the fabric, so the dye doesn't run out with every wash. Plus, it removes any detergent residue that might be clinging to the fibres.”
Washing jeans inside out protects the outer surface from friction and agitation in the washing machine, which means they're less likely to lose their colour. Using a cold water cycle also ensures the dye stays in place.
White vinegar is mildly acidic, which means it will ensure the dye molecules bond more tightly to the jeans' fibres.
The clothing expert continued: “Think of it like a protective coating. The vinegar creates a barrier that keeps the dye from bleeding out. It's the same principle textile manufacturers use in factories, just scaled down for home use.”
If you decide to skip using vinegar after your jeans' first wash, Ms Spektor still suggests washing jeans as little as possible, washing them inside out, and only using cold water.
When you do wash your jeans, she suggested using a gentle detergent designed for dark colours and avoiding anything with bleach or harsh chemicals.
Fabric softeners are also a big no-no, as they coat the fibres of clothing, making them more prone to pilling. When drying your jeans, skip using the tumble dryer and ensure you air-dry them. The heat from a dryer can fade colours and shrink fabric.
Ms Spektor concluded: “Looking after your clothes properly involves making smarter choices with your money and reducing waste. When you learn simple habits like washing jeans correctly, you're extending the life of every piece in your wardrobe.
“I've seen people spend hundreds on premium denim, only to ruin it in the first few washes because they didn't know any better. The vinegar trick is something I've used for years, and it genuinely works. Your jeans will stay darker, hold their shape better, and last far longer.
“At the end of the day, fast fashion has taught us to treat clothes as disposable. But with a few small changes to how you care for your garments, you can keep them looking fresh for years. It saves you money, reduces the environmental impact of constantly buying new clothes, and helps you maintain a polished, put-together look without the effort.”
