How do I maintain the colour of dark-coloured garments — black, navy, dark green kurtis?

Dark-coloured fabric is the most prone to visible fading because any colour loss shows dramatically against the original deep colour. Specific care is needed:

Washing dark garments correctly:

• Cold water only: Hot water opens fabric fibres and releases dye — cold water keeps fibres closed and retains colour
• Inside out: The friction of washing against other clothes and the drum occurs on the inside, not the coloured outer surface
• Dedicated dark laundry detergent: Products like Surf Excel Black, Ariel Dark, or Woolite Dark are formulated without optical brighteners that fade dark colours
• Short wash cycle: Less agitation = less dye loss
• Rinse in cold water with a tablespoon of white vinegar: Vinegar closes the fibre after washing, locking in remaining dye

Drying:

• Dry inside out in shade — direct sunlight is extremely damaging to dark fabric
• Avoid tumble dryer heat — accelerates fading significantly