Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: How to Re-dye Faded Black Jeans
• Part 2 of 2: How to Prevent Fading

Black jeans are a great addition to any wardrobe, but after a while and after many washes, they lose their former luster. Indigo dye, which is used to dye denim, can shed and transfer to other fabrics and even leather, gradually fading. Although the fading of jeans cannot be reversed, it can be prevented and, if necessary, even re-dyed fabric. With the right methods, you can easily repair your jeans while maintaining their rich color and freshness.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: How to Re-dye Faded Black Jeans

1. 1 Take time to dye your jeans. Pick a day when you have enough free time - you will need a few hours. You will have to soak your jeans, wait for them to dry, and then put everything away.
   • Since dirty fabric does not absorb paint well, the first step is to wash your jeans.
2. 2 Choose a dye that is dark. Several brands of dyes (liquid and powder) can usually be found in retail and craft stores. Follow the directions on the dye label. You will most likely need to boil the water, and in addition to a bucket, pot, or sink for painting jeans, a washing machine can also work.
   • Liquid paints are more concentrated and already diluted in water, so less can be used.
   • If you bought powder paint, dissolve it in boiling water.
   • Use the correct amount of dye. Follow the directions on the dye carefully to add the correct amount to the water.
3. 3 Get everything you need ready. You will need jeans, dye, a large metal spoon or tongs to stir and lift the jeans, rubber gloves, a plastic tablecloth or newspaper, paper towels or sponges, and a sink or bathtub to rinse your jeans in later. Also prepare everything that is indicated in the instructions for use of the dye.
   • Prepare your work area by covering it with a plastic tablecloth or newspaper to keep paint away from the floor and other items.
   • Do not paint or rinse items in a ceramic or fiberglass sink or bathtub, as they may stain.
4. 4 Soak your jeans for the specified time. The longer they are soaked, the darker they will become.
   • Remember to stir the water frequently as instructed in the instructions for the dye so that it is evenly distributed over the fabric.
   • Try adding a paint fixer. When you're done dyeing your jeans, the fixative will help set the dye before rinsing. Plain white vinegar works well for this, but professional fixatives are also available.
5. 5 Rinse your jeans. Rinse your jeans under cool running water until the paint stops dripping. Squeeze out excess water.
6. 6 Wash and dry your dyed jeans. Wash them in mild detergent and cold water, but do not add other items to the wash.
   • If you decide to dry your jeans in the dryer, do it at the lowest setting or no heat at all so that new paint does not fade.
7. 7 Clean up. Remember to empty all the dye water down the drain and thoroughly rinse any items you used to dye your jeans under fresh cool water.

Part 2 of 2: How to Prevent Fading

1. 1 Fix the paint. Before putting on your new black jeans, soak them to set the paint in place. Just turn them inside out and soak them in cold water with one glass of vinegar and a tablespoon of salt.
   • Vinegar and salt act as a sealant.
2. 2 Wash your jeans before putting them on. Throw your new jeans into the machine for several cold cycles to remove excess dye that will rub off and transfer onto other items.
   • Apply fabric protection spray or paint fixer. Before putting on your jeans, spray them with Scotchgard Water Repellent Spray or paint fixer to prevent fading.
3. 3 Wash jeans alone or with other black items. Wash with a delicate cycle and cold water.
   • Turn your jeans inside out before washing. They are washed even when turned inside out, but this way they will rub less against the walls of the washing machine.
   • Buy a quality liquid laundry detergent for black and dark items. These detergents deactivate the chlorine in the water, which causes the paint to fade.
4. 4 Try other types of wash. Try to machine wash your jeans as little as possible. There are other ways to make them clean.
   • Washing your jeans by hand is even better than a delicate washing machine. Add a few drops of detergent to your sink, fill it with water, and soak your jeans for about an hour.
   • Spray the jeans with a 1: 1 mixture of vodka and water from a spray bottle, wait for them to dry, and then put the jeans in the freezer to kill the bacteria. For this, you can also use a solution of white vinegar and water in the same proportions.
   • Steam your jeans to get rid of wrinkles and odors.
   • Jeans can also be dry cleaned. Be sure to dry clean any specific spots or stains on your jeans.
5. 5 Hang the jeans to dry on a string or dry them on the lowest temperature possible. Heat can fade, so either dry your jeans without any heat or at the lowest possible temperature, or hang them on a tumble dryer and let the water drain.
   • If you prefer to air dry your jeans, choose a dry, shaded area that won't get too much sunlight. UV rays can damage fabrics and cause discoloration.
   • Don't leave your jeans in the dryer for too long. Remove the jeans while they are still slightly damp to maintain the integrity of the fabric.