PB CARE

Dark laundry: how to keep the color from fading?

We all like to think we know how to do our laundry, and when it comes to dark colors, we usually don't worry too much. However, we dare to say that there are tips - which you might not even be aware of - that can make all the difference.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Sort by color, fabric type and weight

2. Wash at low temperature

3. Use dark detergent and add a splash of vinegar

4. Air dry in the shade

5. Wash, dry, iron, and store inside out

Extra tips for multi-color items

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Marissa

Do you have an urgent question about a particular fabric and its properties? Marissa knows everything about fabrics and provides the best maintenance tips. Additionally, she has a talent for mixing and matching styles and materials with a contemporary nonchalance.

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1. Sort by color, fabric type and weight

2. Wash at low temperature

3. Use dark detergent and add a splash of vinegar

4. Air dry in the shade

5. Wash, dry, iron, and store inside out

Extra tips for multi-color items

Sorting by color is something we all do, but often it doesn't go beyond separating white and colored laundry. For truly dark colors - such as black, dark blue, dark green, and dark brown - it's best to wash them separately from brightly colored clothing. Dark colors are more susceptible to color fading, so you want to avoid unnecessary friction as much as possible. "Heavyweight" items like jeans or towels should also be washed separately, just like items made of delicate fabrics, which require a different approach.

Frequent washing is never good for preserving your clothes, so if your dark garment really needs a wash, limit it to the shortest possible program at a temperature of maximum 30 degrees Celsius. Don't forget to check the spin speed and reduce it if necessary to a maximum of 900-1000 revolutions per minute. However, washing less frequently doesn't mean you can't freshen up your clothes. Air them out in natural outdoor air, use the steam from your bathroom, or try one of our clothing sprays.

Dark colors exude strength - and you want to keep them that way. Our number one tip for preserving colors is to add a splash of vinegar to the fabric softener compartment. Vinegar helps fix colors and eliminates any lingering odors, which is ideal since you want to wash your dark-colored items as infrequently as possible. Additionally, we strongly recommend using a special detergent formulated for dark colors (different from "all colors" detergent). Dark detergents are formulated to work effectively at low (or even cold) temperatures while revitalizing the color pigments.

Heat and sunlight are the absolute enemies of dark-colored items; colors will fade due to their bleaching effect. While this may be useful for your white laundry, dark-colored garments should be dried in a shady spot or indoors. PS: also, keep in mind that you should avoid wearing your most precious dark-colored items on sun-drenched days.

Turning your garment inside out will work magic - not only during washing but also in all other maintenance steps. So, from now on, you should also dry, iron*, and even store your clothes inside out. This way, the "good side" of your garment is protected as much as possible from heat and light.

*Using a steamer is generally better than an iron. It prevents direct heat and has the added benefit of refreshing the fibers with steam.

If you have an item with multiple colors or, in the most extreme case, equal parts black and white, always sort it based on the darkest color since it's the most dominant and can make your light-colored laundry appear dull. To prevent color bleeding, you can use color-absorbing sheets that you add to the washing machine to capture any "floating" color.