Set the machine for the coldest setting possible. If your clothing is very dirty, use the soil setting, but set it at the lightest possible level. Always use the shortest cycle possible. The less time dark clothes are in the washer, the better. This will help them maintain their color.
Some items may be labeled as “color safe” or “color safe bleach,” but do not use these on darker clothes. Such detergents are better used on light colored clothing.
However, if your clothing is very soiled, you can add a little extra detergent to the wash. This can help you get the job done the first time. Remember, washing dark clothing always causes some fading, so an efficient wash is best.
However, if you don’t have time to do an extra load, you can place these items in a mesh bag and wash them with your other clothing.
Do not hang sweaters, however. Sweaters should be laid on a flat surface to dry. You should also avoid drying dark clothing in the sun. This can cause it to fade.
Small stains can usually be treated without a washing machine. You can blot out stains with a white cloth and a mixture of water and dish washer detergent. You should use half a cup of water, and a teaspoon of detergent. After blotting out the stain, rinse the area by blotting the area with plain water.
Choose a bleach labeled “all fabric bleach. " This should be safer on your dark clothes than “color safe bleach. " Your washing machine may have a bleach dispenser. Follow the instructions for use. If you do not have a bleach dispenser, you will need to dilute the bleach on your own. Refer to the package label for instructions. Only use bleach after running out of other options. Dark clothing should be bleached infrequently, if at all.
You can buy a fabric softener at the grocery store or a supermarket. Follow the instructions for how much to add to your wash. Some laundry machines may have a separate dispenser where you add fabric softener.
Expensive clothing may be dry clean only. This means you’ll have to take it to the dry cleaners. A dark business suit, for example, may be dry clean only. Other clothing, like wool clothing, may be hand wash only. You will have to gently wash these items in a sink or tub with a small amount of detergent, rinse them, and then hang them or lay them flat to dry.
Go through your dirty laundry piece by piece. Have one pile for dark clothes, and one pile for light clothes. Take into consideration how dirty each piece of laundry is. You should not wash very dirty clothes with clothes that only need a light wash.
Heavier fabrics, like jeans and towels, should be washed separately from light to medium-weight fabrics, like t-shirts. Put delicates, like lacy underwear and bras, in their own pile. They should be washed separately.
