There’s so much information out there on how to keep your whites bright, but have you ever stopped to consider ways to keep your colors vibrant and true? Whether laundering your go-to sweats, dark wash jeans, favorite t-shirts, or beyond, it’s important to know how to wash dark clothes the right way so you can wear them on repeat for a long, long time.

We asked laundry care experts for their best tips on how to wash dark clothes, so keep these in mind the next time laundry day rolls around.

Separate Your Colors

You likely already separate your whites and colorful garments, but it’s also important to separate within your colors. Separating similarly colored dark clothing is best and can help maintain their true color over time, explains Wendy Saladyga, a fabric care expert and manager of technical performance at Henkel for Persil. 

“For instance, grouping blacks, dark blues, and deep reds together prevents any subtle dye transfer that could dull lighter darks,” she says. “Sorting dark clothes by shade is a simple step to ensure each item stays looking newer for longer.”

Use Cold Water 

Generally speaking, you can get away with using cold water for the bulk of your laundry, with the exception being for sanitary purposes. This is especially true when washing dark clothes. “Hot water can cause dark colors to fade more quickly and may lead to shrinkage,” notes laundry expert Rechelle Balanzat of Juliette Cleaners. “Cold water is usually better for dark clothes as it helps preserve the intensity of the dyes.” 

Dry on Low Heat

Similarly, skip the intense drying cycle by putting your dark fabrics on a low-heat setting or hang to dry. Some garments, like sweat-wicking athletic wear, do well on a heat-free tumble setting. “Many garment instructions guide consumers to dry in lower heat to protect fabric integrity,” Saladyga says. When in doubt, check the fabric care instructions. 

Try Mesh Bags (and Turn Clothes Inside Out)

Don’t sleep on mesh laundry bags, says Hannah Yokoji, a laundry care expert with The Laundress. “They may seem ‘extra,’ but they can truly help to protect garments from excess agitation during the wash cycle that can also fade colors,” she says. “We also recommend turning your colorful garment inside out before laundering to help preserve color and cut down on external agitation, then placing inside a large mesh bag for extra protection.” 

Avoid Overloading the Washer 

It’s tempting to jam as much as you can into the washer and dryer, but Balanzat says to resist the urge and avoid jumbo loads. “When the washer is too full, clothes don’t move around freely, which reduces the effectiveness of the wash,” she explains. “Dark clothes can come out less clean, and friction between fabrics can cause fading or pilling.” 

Wash Dark Clothes Less Often 

You know how there’s a “clean pile” and a “dirty pile”? Well, try to become more comfortable with the “in-between pile,” which includes garments you didn’t wear for very long or wear through sweaty/dirty situations, and more hardy pieces. This might include pajamas, jeans, sweaters, and sweats. 

“Washing too frequently can wear down the fabric and fade the colors,” Balanzat says. “Wash only when necessary, or refresh between washes by airing out or using a fabric spray.” 

Follow Label Care Instructions Closely

The fine print on garment tags is there for a reason, and following the instructions can help ensure your dark fabrics stay true and vibrant, Saladyga says. Tags provide information about everything from washing care to drying requirements, and will even indicate whether the garment should be taken to dry clean only. On that note, Saladyga also says to reference the detergent label on packaging to correctly measure detergent dosage.