Bold colors like red and black are shades that may look striking when new, but after just a few washes, they can start looking dull or unevenly faded. If your once-deep black jeans are now a murky gray or your vibrant red top looks washed out, the problem might be how you’re washing and even drying them.
While this is inevitable, it doesn’t have to happen so quickly. In this guide, we share expert techniques to protect red and black clothes from fading too quickly, so you can hold on to that crisp, just-bought look for as long as possible.
Things You Could Be Doing Wrong With Your Red And Black Clothes
If your red and black clothes are fading way too fast, chances are you’re making at least one of these common mistakes. Here’s what you might be doing wrong:
1. Washing in Hot Water
Hot water might seem like the best way to get your clothes clean, but it’s a disaster for red and black fabrics. Heat opens up the fibers, allowing the dye to escape faster—leading to dull, washed-out colors after just a few loads.
2. Using Harsh Detergents
Regular detergents often contain optical brighteners and harsh cleaning agents that strip away dye from fabrics. While they work great for whites, they can leave red and black clothes looking faded and worn.
3. Overwashing Your Clothes
Every time you wash your red sweater and black jeans, for instance, some of the dye washes away with it. Over time, this leads to noticeable fading, especially in high-friction areas like seams and edges.
4. Not Turning Clothes Inside Out
Friction from the wash cycle is one of the biggest reasons colors fade so fast. When clothes tumble against each other, the outer layer takes the most damage, causing the fabric dye to break down more quickly.
5. Drying Clothes in Direct Sunlight
Sunlight might feel great on your skin, but it’s one of the worst things for fabric color. UV rays break down dye molecules, causing reds to turn dull and blacks to fade to an unflattering gray.
6. Mixing Colors in the Wash
Throwing all your clothes into one big load sure is convenient, but it’s a major mistake when it comes to preserving color. Light and dark clothes rub against each other, causing dye transfer and fading.
7. Using Too Much Detergent
It’s easy to assume more detergent will necessarily lead to cleaner clothes. However, doing so actually does more harm than good. Excess detergent doesn’t always rinse out completely, leaving behind a dull residue that makes fabrics look faded and worn.
8. Storing Clothes Incorrectly
Believe it or not, how you store your clothes can also impact their color. Overexposure to light, heat, and humidity can speed up fading—even when the clothes aren’t being worn.
By following these simple tips, you can extend the life of your favorite outfits and keep them looking fresh for years to come. So, the next time you do laundry, remember—a little extra care goes a long way!
How to Prevent Red and Black Clothes from Fading Quickly
Red and black clothes are statement pieces in any wardrobe, but they’re also the first to fade if they’re not cared for properly. The good news is that with the right washing, drying, and storage techniques, you can keep your bold colors looking rich and vibrant for much longer. Here are the best ways to prevent red and black clothes or even bold color clothes from fading too quickly:
1 | Wash in Cold Water
How to do it:
- Set your washing machine to the coldest water setting (below 60°F).
- Use a gentle cycle to reduce agitation and prevent color loss.
- If washing by hand, soak the clothes in cold water with a mild detergent for 10–15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
2 | Use a Color-safe Detergent
How to do it:
- Choose a detergent specifically labeled for dark or color fabrics (e.g., Woolite Darks, The Laundress Darks Detergent).
- Measure the detergent carefully—too much can leave residue that makes colors look dull.
- Avoid detergents with optical brighteners, as they are designed for whites and can strip darker dyes.
3 | Turn Clothes Inside Out Before Washing
How to do it:
- Before putting clothes in the washer, turn them inside out.
- Button up shirts, zip up jeans, and secure any Velcro to prevent snagging.
- Wash inside-out clothes on a gentle cycle to further minimize wear.
4 | Wash Clothes Less Frequently
How to do it:
- Only wash red and black clothes when necessary. If they aren’t visibly dirty, wear them 2–3 times before washing.
- Spot-clean minor stains with a damp cloth and mild detergent instead of washing the whole garment.
- Use a fabric refresher spray or hang clothes in fresh air to remove light odors between washes.
5 | Use Vinegar or Salt to Lock in Color
How to do it:
Using Vinegar
- Add ½ cup of white vinegar to the final rinse cycle of your washing machine.
- This helps remove detergent residue and enhances color vibrancy.
Using Salt (For New Clothes)
- Fill a basin with cold water and dissolve ½ cup of salt per gallon of water.
- Soak new red or black clothes in the solution for 30 minutes before washing for the first time.
6 | Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine
How to do it:
- Fill the washing machine to only ¾ of its capacity—never pack it to the top.
- Leave enough room for clothes to move freely, reducing friction and excess wear.
- If you’re washing just a few dark items, add towels or similar fabrics to balance the load.
7 | Skip the Dryer or Use Low Heat
How to do it:
- Air dry clothes whenever possible by hanging them on a drying rack indoors.
- If using a dryer, select the lowest heat setting and remove clothes while still slightly damp to
- prevent overdrying.
- Avoid dryer sheets, as they can leave residue that makes colors look dull.
8 | Keep Clothes Out of Direct Sunlight
How to do it:
- Dry clothes in a shaded area instead of direct sunlight to prevent UV exposure.
- Store red and black clothing in a closet away from bright light and heat sources.
- Use fabric-friendly garment bags for long-term storage to prevent fading.
9 | Separate Lights and Darks When Washing
How to do it:
- Always sort laundry by color—wash darks with darks, lights with lights.
- Red clothes (especially new) should be washed separately for the first few washes to prevent bleeding.
- If washing mixed loads, use color catcher laundry sheets to absorb excess dye.
10 | Use Less Detergent
How to do it:
- Follow the recommended amount on the detergent label—don’t assume more means cleaner.
- If needed, run an extra rinse cycle to remove excess detergent.
- Use a detergent booster like baking soda or vinegar to enhance cleaning without excess soap.
Protect Your Reds and Blacks with Professional Care at Faulkner’s Fine Dry Cleaning!
Clothing care should be precise to avoid problems such as fading. At Faulkner’s Fine Dry Cleaning, we use gentle, fabric-safe detergents and advanced dry cleaning techniques that prevent dye bleeding, color dulling, and harsh wear from traditional washing.
New to Faulkner’s Fine Dry Cleaning services? Enjoy 30% OFF on dry cleaning and laundered shirts—a limited-time offer to experience premium fabric care at an unbeatable price.
(214) 521-1100
4225 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas, TX, 75219
info@faulknercleaners.com