Dark clothes have achieved a level of chic sophistication that leaves other colors weeping in their wake. From The Fonz’ leather jacket, to Princess Diana’s revenge dress, dark colors have often taken center stage as being the universally flattering, admirably versatile items in our closets that are always cool. They look just as good on days we’d rather blend into the crowd as they do during nights out on the town, and they deserve to be cared for as well as they take care of us.
To help you care for the most reliable items in your wardrobe, we’ve rounded up the best laundry detergents for dark clothes. Instead of scouring the world wide web for a natural detergent that’ll get your darks clean without fading their rich hues, you can peruse this list — and don’t forget to check out our FAQ at the end where we answer commonly asked questions about washing dark clothes.
This list of products was determined by ratings and reviews from Grove members.
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Method Laundry Detergent Pour helps clean clothes like a Roman gladiator. Choose your favorite scent and look forward to 66 laundry loads of vegan, cruelty-free, goodness made without parabens — well, as much as anyone can look forward to doing laundry, anyway!
For more effective cleaning products in tantalizing scents and fun bottles, shop …
Is your sensitive nose sniffing around for a lightly scented laundry detergent? We may have found your perfect match — the Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent 2x Concentrate. This laundry detergent is tough on dirt and stains but gentle on your skin and nose. There are no artificial dyes, synthetic fragrances, or harsh chemicals, so you can …
Molly's Suds All Sport Activewear Detergent is the ultimate, natural laundry solution for eliminating tough odors and stubborn stains from sports apparel, athleisure wear, and delicates. Best of all, it’s made with ingredients that are completely safe for everyone in the family! Removes tough odor-causing bacteria Designed to get out the …
Dirty Labs Bio Laundry Detergent with Phytolase® embodies clean science. It’s free of dyes, sulfates, parabens, and preservatives, and it’s got zero EU-listed fragrance allergens — and not a single CA Prop. 65 chemical. So, what does it have?
32 Loads (8.6 oz)
Enzymes! Dirty Labs combined advanced enzymes and innovative, bio-based …
Keep your clothes looking as bright with Mrs. Meyer’s Laundry Detergent. This concentrated formula works hard to fight dirt, grime, and stains using plant-based enzymes and other thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Mrs. Meyer’s Laundry Detergent is powerful but gentle on delicate fabrics. Choose your favorite scent: Basil, Bluebell, Geranium, …
Pre-measured laundry detergent sheets that instantly dissolve and remove tough stains, proven to be more powerful than other clean detergent sheet brands.* Plastic-free and crafted to be sustainably powerful for a healthy home and planet.
FOR MORE POWERFUL STAIN REMOVAL*
Our laundry detergent sheets are proven to have more powerful stain …
Here's the scoop on Molly's Suds Laundry Detergent Powder — it’s comprised of only five earth-derived ingredients, making it extra gentle and a great choice for those with delicate skin. Just as effective as conventional brands, this super-concentrated laundry powder will leave your clothes squeaky clean without any harsh chemicals, toxins, …
A high-performance ultra concentrated detergent proven to remove tough stains as well as other leading brands, designed for our Auto-Dosing Liquid Laundry Detergent Dispenser.
Other laundry detergents may hang you out to dry when it comes to tough stains, but this Seventh Generation Easy Dose Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent cleans deep down with just one firm squeeze. It’s also biodegradable, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and triclosan-free, and its soothing lavender scent is just the thing for bringing home spring …
Every household has a routine when it comes to laundry. Make that routine mean more with method Laundry Detergent Packs. These method laundry detergent pods are made without parabens or phthalates, are hypoallergenic, and are Leaping Bunny–certified. Plus, they help brighten whites and colors and feature plant-based stain lifting power to help keep …
These Grove Co. Laundry Powder Packs remove stains as well as other leading national detergents.* Plastic-free and crafted to be sustainably powerful for a healthy home and planet.
They’re made with 100% plant-derived ingredients and without harsh chemicals, dyes, or fragrances. These laundry packs unleash the power of four plant-derived enzymes …
Are you a serial spiller? (We get it — we’re coffee and wine people, too.) Tackle the toughest of stains with these Seventh Generation Ultra Power Plus Laundry Detergent Packs. This naturally derived, plant-based formula has 20% more cleaning power to whiten and brighten your loads. From your kids' soccer practice clothes to your towels you used on …
Plant-based detergents for dark clothes that are made for all types of fabric are excellent choices for washing your black garments. Cold water washes are the best choice for cleaning black clothes without fading them, so using a detergent that’s been specifically formulated for washing with cold water will help keep your dark clothes looking their best.
Always choose a natural detergent for dark clothes to wash your laundry in. Natural detergents are gentler on clothes while still working to get them super clean. Regular detergents contain harsh chemicals that can damage fabric fibers, leading to quicker fading. Choosing a natural detergent will keep your clothes camera-ready for longer.
Stop taking your black clothes to the dry cleaners! Keep your blacks looking bold for longer with these tips for washing dark clothes – and don’t forget to check out our Clean Team guide on how to wash colored clothes to keep your colors at their brightest .
Tip 1: Wash on cold. Warm water can speed up dye loss, so run your washer with cold water to preserve the hues.
Tip 2: Turn ‘em inside out. The friction of fabric against fabric can break down the fibers of your clothing, causing them to fade more quickly.
Tip 3: Use a cold water detergent. Detergents that are made for cold-water loads will help the soap do a better job at getting your clothes clean, which means you don’t have to wash them as often. Less washing equals less fading!
Tip 4: Air dry. Heat is the enemy! High heat can cause dark clothes to fade, so hang your black clothes to dry instead.
We’ve all been there — you buy a plush black hoodie, expecting it to last ages, only for its lush color to start fading after the first wash. Buying clothes and watching them fade almost as soon as you purchase them is a frustrating experience, but there are a couple ways to get the color back to your fave garments.
1. Just add salt. Once you've put the faded laundry in the washing machine with your trusty laundry detergent, pour a 1/2 cup of regular table salt into the drum. In addition to helping bring color back, salt can also prevent colors from fading in the first place.
2. White vinegar to the rescue. Sometimes, detergent buildup is the culprit behind faded clothes. To get rid of the soapy residue coating your fabrics, place them in the washer and add a 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar with your laundry detergent. Then wash the clothes as normal.
At Grove, we take the guesswork out of which products are good for you and your home. Every product meets strict standards for being nontoxic, effective, sustainable, and cruelty-free. Once you find products you love, we ship to your home on a flexible, monthly schedule.
If you're ready to make the transition to natural cleaning, beauty, and household products, shop Grove Collaborative's natural products for the eco-friendly tools to tackle the job.
