Washing Black Jeans

[Tilly2]

I put some washing in earlier, including two pairs of black jeans. I always turn them inside out before putting them in the washer , as per washing instructions label. I don't know what difference it makes. The water and the washing powder still get on the inside (outside).

Does it make a difference or should I not bother?

[woofgang]

apparently one of the reasons that dark items fade in the wash is abrasion from the other clothes washed at the same time, possibly even from the drum of the machine. Towels, it seems, are particularly bad for rubbing dye off clothes.

[gingejbee]

^^^ which is why "stone-washed" denim is already faded when you buy it!

[hc4361]

Turning woolies, jerseys, tshirts, sweatshirts etc inside out stops them bobbling

[NoraBatty]

Two main reasons clothes are washed inside out:

1) Reduce fading.
Jeans and other clothes that contain dark dye that bleeds easily will not fade nearly as quickly if they are washed on cold and washed inside out.

2) Reduce pilling.
Most synthetic fabrics and those with synthetic blends are extremely prone to pilling. By turning the clothes inside out, you reduce friction to the outside surface of the clothes. In turn, the amount of pilling is greatly reduced.

Turning clothes inside out does not result in clothes becoming cleaner. It merely prolongs the life of some types of fabric.

[melv16]

Black jeans are soooo 1980's. ;-)

[rsvp]

As well as the fading thingie with jeans I always thought you turned them inside out to stop the tag on the zip ripping anything else or scratching the drum. Probably been wrong all these years though!

[Tilly2]

Melv, I've had them since the 80's. I don't buy many clothes.

[Tilly2]

Did you put it in the machine, Fender? I have never dyed anything.