Surprising Ways to Use Spices to Keep Black Clothes from Fading

Did you know that common kitchen spices can help keep your black clothes from fading? To preserve the deep color of your black garments, try using the following cooking ingredients:

1. Table Salt

• After placing your black clothes in the washing machine, add 125g of table salt directly into the drum—do not pour it into the detergent dispenser.
• During washing, salt helps prevent dye from bleeding out of the fabric, effectively keeping the dye locked in.
• This method works for both new and old clothes, as salt helps maintain the dye and removes soap residue from black garments.

2. Black Pepper

• Add 1–2 teaspoons of black pepper to the washing machine drum before starting the wash cycle.
• Pepper acts as an abrasive to remove detergent buildup that causes fading, while the dark color of the pepper enhances the richness of black dye.
• Don’t worry—pepper won’t stick to your clothes. It gets rinsed away during the wash.

3. White Vinegar

• Pour 250ml of white vinegar into the washing machine drum either before starting the wash or mid-cycle.
• Adding vinegar not only helps preserve the color of black clothes but also softens the fabric, leaving it smooth and comfortable to wear.
• The vinegar will evaporate during the wash, so your clothes won’t carry any vinegar smell afterward.

4. Baking Soda

• Add around 125g of baking soda to the washing machine drum or to a wash basin if washing by hand, and clean as usual.
• Baking soda, often used as a non-chlorine bleach, can brighten colors, including black.
• You can confidently use baking soda to wash your clothes and keep them looking black and beautiful.

5. Other Methods

• Besides spices, you can also use natural dyes like coffee or black tea to maintain the color of black clothes. These natural ingredients help reinforce the garment's original color.
• Simply pour brewed coffee or tea into the washing machine or wash basin and proceed with washing as usual.