How to Keep Black Jeans from Fading

Co-authored by Kamel Almani

Last Updated: February 21, 2022 References

Black jeans are beautiful, and can be worn for many occasions. Dress them up with a button down shirt or keep them casual with a t-shirt. Keeping black jeans black can be a bit tricky. Inevitably your black jeans will fade, but you can postpone this with different washing and caring techniques.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Cleaning Your Jeans Without a Washing Machine

1
Wash your jeans by hand in cold water. Cold water helps reduce the denim's dye from bleeding. Use a natural soap and don't apply too much pressure when scrubbing. Soak your jeans for a couple minutes and then let them dry on a hanger.
- You can effectively wash and soak your jeans in your kitchen sink, as long as it’s clean. Clog the drain, and fill the sink with cold water. Add your fabric soap while the water is filling up the sink.
2
Hang your jeans outside. You don’t have to clean and soak your jeans to freshen them. Reap the benefits of nature by simply hanging your jeans up during the day. Keep your jeans out of direct sunlight or else they will fade due to the sunlight.^{[1]
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3
Mist and freeze your jeans. Instead of washing your jeans, you can alternatively mist the jeans. Use a squirt bottle and fill with one part cold water and the other part vodka. Spray down the jeans with solution and then hang them on a clothesline. Once the jeans have dried, place them in the freezer.^{[2]
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- This technique doesn’t clean bacteria off of the jeans, but eliminates odors from the jeans.
- This an alternative to cleaning your jeans in a washing machine or by hand. This is a good technique if you want preserve the longevity of your jean’s quality.
4
Use stain removers. Even though your black jeans won’t show all stains, you should still attempt to treat the ones you know about. There are many products that can be used as stain removers. Remove stains as you get them to reduce the amount of washing times. Resist the urge to throw the jeans into the wash after spilling marinara on them.
- Pine Sol wooden floor polish removes tough grease stains and Motsenbocker’s Lift Off removes paint without damaging the dye of the denim.^{[3]
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- You can also find natural based denim stain spotter to use on the go.
5
Steam your jeans. Jeans can stay clean without much effort. There are occasions to use a machine wash, like if you’ve been frolicking in the mud, but typically they need a simple freshener. A quick way to freshen your jeans safely is by steaming them. You can use an iron’s steam function, if your iron has that function, or bring them into the shower with you.
- Place the jeans on a hanger and place them in an area where they won’t get wet.
- Take a hot shower as you normally would, and when you’re done, the jeans will be fresher than before.
- Steam removes odor from your jeans similar to the misting and freezing technique.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using a Washing Machine and Drying

1
Set the denim's dye with vinegar. Prepare a bucket of cold water and one cup of white distilled vinegar. Turn your jeans inside out and submerge them into the bucket. Let the jeans become fully soaked, about 30 seconds to a minute, before removing them.
- This process helps set the jeans' dye and prevents it from fading in the washing machine.^{[5]
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- It’s good for your jeans to set the dye of the jeans before you machine wash them.
- If you buy your jeans new, it will benefit your denim to set the dye right when you get them.
2
Use a washing machine. Set your machine to cold and gentle cycle.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Kamel Almani
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.} This will prevent your jeans from going through a rough cycle. Choose a lower time setting if your machine allows you to choose those preferences.
- Wash your jeans with other black clothing, especially new black clothing or black clothing that has a tendency to bleed.
- Don’t overload the washing machine with too many other clothes. A crowded washing machine can cause strain and wear to your jeans.
- Turn your jeans inside-out before sticking them in the washer.^{[7]
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  Expert Source
  
  Kamel Almani
  Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
  Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.}
3
Do not put them in the dryer. Again, never put your jeans in the dryer if you want to preserve the color of your jeans.^{[8]
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Research source} The fastest way to fade colors is by putting them in the dryer. Allow them to line dry instead.
- You can wear your jeans more than once, and not wash them in between every wear. This will help the jeans from not fading as quickly.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I make my faded jeans blue again?

Kamel Almani
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
Kamel Almani is a Laundry and Cleaning Specialist and the Co-Owner of WashyWash, a toxin-free and eco-friendly laundry and dry clean service based in Amman, Jordan. Kamel and his staff at WashyWash use Blue Angel certified and dermatologically-tested detergents. They also combine EcoClean and digital technology to provide an eco-friendly, convenient, and quality cleaning service. Kamel holds a BA in Design from the University of Applied Science, Amman.

Kamel Almani

Laundry & Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

Your best option is to re-dye the denim if the original color has faded away.