Unless you live in the Caribbean chances are you have quite a bit of black clothes in your closet. Black makes up about 95% of my closet. I find it so much easier, especially in the winter months, to stick with this black uniform.
Over time, though, black and dark colored clothes can fade and start to look a little sad. Can this be prevented? It sure can. If you are diligent and stick with these laundry techniques your dark clothes will last you longer than a New England winter.
Wash dark clothes less
Dark sweaters, pants and jeans can be worn 4-5 times before really needing a wash. Unless they are soiled or worn frequently outside washing less frequently will protect the dye in the fabric. The washing cycle itself wears the dye down.
Unfortunately, this is NOT recommended for your Adea layering tops, camis and undies, which should be washed every time you wear them. Like socks, Adea tops are worn against the skin and need a washing every time.
Turn garments inside out
Because friction is one of the reasons that a garment starts to lose its luster, turn your dark items inside out for the wash. The inside of the garment will take the beating from the wash cycle and help preserve the outside for longer.
If you notice an accumulation of deodorant under or around the arms on any of your Adea tops, turn it inside out and use a dry sponge to gently tap away at the deodorant marks. This will loosen them from the fabric before the wash. Keep the top inside out when in the washing machine to encourage the deodorant particles to wash away.
Choose the right detergent
Use a detergent formulated for dark fabrics. If you don't have one on hand use the least amount of detergent possible. Liquid detergents are preferable as the powder ones may leave residue that will dull the fabric.
Use cold water and a shorter wash cycle
The golden rule for washing dark clothes is "cold and short". Keep dark washes set to a cold wash (between 60-80 degree Fahrenheit) to prevent dyes from running. Also, make the washes as short as possible - the less time your dark clothes are subjected to friction the better your dark fabrics will look.
Choose the right detergent
There are many detergents formulated for dark fabrics. If you don't have one on hand use the least amount of detergent possible. Liquid detergents are preferable as the powder ones may leave residue that will dull the fabric.
Skip the dryer
Heat is a natural enemy of dark clothes. It causes the fibers to break down and the color to fade. Line dry your items and you'll keep the color strong and the garment shape in tact. (Just don't line dry in the sun!)
We highly recommend line drying all of Adea's items - they will retain their stretch, shape and color much longer when you avoid the heat from a dryer.
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