The Laundress Washing Darks Recipe

Don’t let your little black dress turn gray or your favorite black pants fade!  Let The Laundress Darks Detergent help you keep your dark colored garments looking as good as new!   Tools: Darks Detergent   Optional: Stain Solution, Wash & Stain Bar, Dryer Sheets, Fabric Conditioner, Fabric Fresh, Scented Vinegar, Stain Brush Pre-treat: • Sort laundry before washing.  Always wash dark colors together. Avoid mixing (washing with) items that shed lint with darks, such as towels - wash separately. • Pre-treat stains with Stain Solution and Stain Brush or Wash & Stain Bar. Always treat stains first and pre-soak for most effective removal.

• To remove dirt, grease, grime (i.e. ring around the collar) treat with our Wash & Stain Bar. Wet bar and work into the fabric.

• To remove juice, wine, coffee, pen, chocolate use our Stain Solution and Stain Brush.

• To remove odors: pre-wash or pre-soak with The Laundress Scented Vinegar. Apply vinegar directly on odor areas and work stain solution into the fabric. Soak well.

• Turn your clothing inside out.  This prevents abrasion and lengthens the life of colorant dyes.

Machine washing:

• Launder with The Laundress Darks Detergent which combines color guard and enzymes that remove microfibers [also known as lint] and build-up from fibers. 

• Fabric Conditioner - we recommend using with every other load. Dryer sheets can be used with every load if preferred for added softness, static cling control and scent.

Dry/Finish:

• Line drying is best. If using a dryer, set to the lowest heat setting. Avoid drying in the sun and high heat in the dryer can fade fibers. 

Tips and Tricks:

• In between washing and wearing, spray garments with your favorite scent of The Laundress Fabric Fresh, an odor removal spray with anti-bacterial properties.

• Hand washing will lengthen the life of colored garments. 

• Excessive drying causes colors to fade, so only use the dryer when necessary - line drying is always best!  But avoid direct sunlight.

• Clean your washer monthly with The Laundress Machine Cleaner to protect fibers and fading from machine build up, lime scale and rust.  Add (1/2 cup, 4 oz, 120 ml) to your machine dispenser and run a long load with hot water. Run a second load with just water and you’re ready to go! 

• Clean out your dryer lint trap before every drying cycle.  A clean lint screen will reduce drying time, remove lint from your garments more effectively and prevent extra build-up and lint on clean laundry. 

• Dryer drums also collect a lot of lint. Use The Laundress Lint Free Cleaning Cloth with The Laundress Surface Cleaner. Wipe inside of dryer to clean once a month.

For More Recipes:

Visit our other recipes on the left-hand menu and click on “Can I Be Washed” for our fabric washing guide.