Fans of cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch have shared a simple 35p method for washing dark jeans so they don’t fade in the wash.
Mrs Hinch, also known as Sophie Hinchliffe, is a cleaning influencer and expert known for sharing her garden, home and cleaning tips on social media.
Over the years, her fans have started sharing their tips for cleaning, laundry and gardening on social media groups.
On the Facebook group, ‘Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips’ Orla Coyle asked: “Best way to wash black jeans so they don’t fade?”
The post received more than 150 comments from fellow cleaning enthusiasts with the majority suggesting white vinegar which can be bought from Tesco for just 35p and Sainsbury’s for 40p.
Hazlemere distilled white vinegar costs 99p from Morrisons and Dri Pak white vinegar costs £2 from B&Q.
LaQuitta Woodall said: “So soak in vinegar for a little while, before you wash them. It will set the colour dye!”
Janet Mifsud replied: “Inside out, add white vinegar to your wash.”
Roberto Thomas commented: “Vinegar and baking soda works great.”
Vera Jakovljevic wrote: “White vinegar works best and is also a disinfectant.”
However, Katy Roberts, a washing machine expert at AO said adding white vinegar to the wash can “weaken the jeans’ fabric”.
She said: “Vinegar is sometimes touted as a natural way to maintain dark denim, but this can weaken the jeans’ fabric and cause it to deteriorate more quickly.
“Instead, try using a detergent specifically formulated for dark colours and washing your jeans inside out. This can help prevent fading keeping your jeans fresher for longer.”
Other suggestions for ensuring jeans don’t fade in the wash included putting them in a cold water wash, adding salt to the wash and washing them inside out.
Donna Pearce said: “I always wash inside out and don’t dry them on the washing line as the sun bleaches the black.”
Yvonne Smith commented: “In cold water, when you hang them on the clothes line turn them inside out.”
Claire Horsfall replied: “All of the above, first wash use salt. Always wash on cold and inside out. When they do fade, refresh [them] with machine dye.”
