How to Reverse Colour Fading in Black Jeans

Co-authored by Kamel Almani

Last Updated: September 17, 2022 References

Black jeans are a great addition to any wardrobe, but keeping them looking new can be an uphill battle after too many washes and wearings. The indigo dye used to color the denim can bleed onto other fabrics or even onto your skin, fading over time. While you can’t reverse color fading in your jeans, you can prevent it from happening in the first place and re-dye the fabric if necessary. With the right techniques, you can easily revive any denim you own that has faded, maintain their deep color, and keep your style looking fresh and on trend.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Re-Dyeing Faded Black Jeans

1
Find time to re-dye your jeans. It’s best to choose a day where you have a few hours to spare. You’ll need to soak the jeans, allow them to dry, and make time for clean-up.
- Wash your jeans first. Dirty fabric won’t absorb the dye well.^{[1]
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2
Choose a dark dye color. There are several brands on the market that can be purchased at craft or retail stores, in both liquid and powder form. Follow the dye brand’s instructions. You may need to boil water, or you may be able to use your washing machine instead of a bucket, pot, or sink to dye the jeans.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Kamel Almani
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 9 April 2021.}
- Liquid dye is more concentrated and is already dissolved in water, so you can use less.
- If you choose powder dye, you’ll need to dissolve it first in hot water.
- Use the right amount of dye. Make sure to follow the brand instructions to ensure that you add the appropriate amount to the water.
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3
Assemble your materials. You’ll need your jeans, the dye, a large metal spoon or tongs for stirring and lifting, rubber gloves, a plastic table cover or newspapers, paper towels or sponges, and a sink or tub to rinse the jeans afterwards. Make sure to have on hand anything else the dye instructions indicate.
- Prep your work area with newspapers or the plastic table cover so dye does not get onto the floor or other items.
- Don’t dye or rinse items in a porcelain or fiberglass sink or tub, as these can stain.
4
Soak your jeans for the indicated amount of time. The longer the jeans soak, the darker the color.^{[3]
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- Make sure to stir the water often, following the brand directions. Agitating the jeans prevents any one sport from becoming darker than another.
- Try a dye fixative. After the jeans have finished dyeing, a fixative may help retain color before rinsing.^{[4]
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  Research source} Plain white vinegar works, but there are also professional fixatives available for purchase.
5
Rinse. Rinse your jeans in cool, running water until the water runs clear. Squeeze out any excess water after rinsing.^{[5]
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6
Wash and dry your newly dyed jeans. Use gentle detergent and cold water, and don’t add any other clothing to the machine during the wash cycle.
- If you use a dryer, dry jeans on the lowest setting or with no heat to ensure the new dye stays bright.
7
Clean up. Make sure to dump all used dye water down the drain, and rinse all items used to dye your jeans thoroughly with fresh, cold water.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Preventing Fading in Black Jeans

1
Set the dye. Before wearing new black jeans, you can presoak them to set the dye color. Simply turn them inside-out, and soak them in cold water with one cup of vinegar and a tablespoon of salt.^{[6]
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- Vinegar and salt act as a sealant on the jeans’ dye.^{[7]
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Wash before wearing. Toss your new jeans into the washing machine for several cycles in cold water to get rid of excess dye that will rub off on other fabrics and contribute to fading.^{[8]
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- Use a fabric protector spray or dye fixative. Treating your jeans before wearing them with a fabric protector like Scotchgard or using a dye fixative may prevent initial fading.^{[9]
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3
Wash by themselves or only with other dark colors. Use the gentlest cycle and cold water.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Kamel Almani
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 9 April 2021.}^{[11]
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- Turn your jeans inside-out before washing. Your jeans will get just as clean when turned inside-out and will endure less abrasion from the machine.^{[12]
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  Kamel Almani
  Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
  Expert Interview. 9 April 2021.}^{[13]
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- Purchase a high-quality liquid detergent made especially for dark and black fabrics. These kind of detergents deactivate the chlorine in the water that can fade colors.^{[14]
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4
Try other cleaning methods. Try to avoid machine-washing your jeans as often as possible, there are a few other ways to keep them clean.
- Handwashing jeans may be even better than the washer’s gentle cycle. Add a few drops of detergent to a sink, fill with water, and let the jeans soak for about an hour.
- Spritz your jeans with a spray bottle containing a 50/50 vodka-water mixture, allow them to dry, and put into the freezer overnight to kill bacteria.^{[15]
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  Research source} You can also use white vinegar and water in the same proportions.^{[16]
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- Steaming your jeans can get rid of both odors and wrinkles ^{[17]
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- Drycleaning is another alternative method. Make sure to point out any spots or stains for professional treatment.^{[18]
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5
Line dry or use the lowest dryer setting. Heat will cause further fading, so dry your jeans either with no heat or the lowest dryer setting, or let them drip-dry on a drying rack.
- If you prefer to dry your jeans outside, choose a dry, shady spot where they will not receive too much sun. UV rays can damage the fabric and cause further fading.^{[19]
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- Avoid leaving them in the dryer too long. Remove your jeans while they are still slightly damp to help preserve the integrity of the fabric.^{[20]
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Community Q&A

Question

Can I use hair dye for this?

Community Answer

No, as it will not lock into the fabric and can therefore dye your skin and your other clothes.
Question

Where can I get those dyes?

Community Answer

Dye is sold at most craft stores. If you want to use food coloring, that can be purchased at a grocery store.
Question

What dye do I use, food colouring or something else?

Community Answer

You can use several different kinds of dyes, including food coloring or coffee, but fabric dye is recommended for the best results that will remain.