Smart trick: Why you should put coffee in your washing machine

Dark textiles often lose their color after repeated washing and eventually become dull or discolored.

As a result, many garments end up in the trash or clothing collection long before they are worn out.

In Germany, an average of 4.7 kilograms of clothing per person is thrown away every year, often after only a few uses.

However, a simple trick with coffee can help preserve the color depth of clothes.

The method does not require the use of special detergents or environmentally harmful chemicals. Instead, you use regular black coffee, which can be found in most homes.

How the coffee trick works in practice

The dark color of coffee can act as a natural color enhancer for black and very dark clothes.

When clothes are washed repeatedly, high temperatures, long wash programs and detergents with bleach can help dissolve the dyes.

By adding two cups of pre-brewed black coffee directly to the drum and running a gentle wash program, the dark clothes can get a deeper and more even color, according to German Chip.de.

However, it’s important that all the fabrics in the wash are very dark or black.

Otherwise there is a risk of discoloration.

To avoid undesirable results, it is recommended to test the method with older clothes the first time.

More tips for preserving the color of dark clothes

In addition to the coffee trick, there are a number of general tips for extending the life of dark clothes:

• Wash less often unless the clothes are visibly dirty.
• Choose lower temperatures, preferably around 30 degrees, as this protects the color of the fabric.
• Use detergents without bleach and optical brighteners. There are special detergents for black and dark clothes, and environmentally friendly alternatives are recommended.
• Turn the garment inside out before washing to minimize wear on the outside of the fabric.
• Air dry in the shade. Avoid tumble drying and direct sunlight as this can lead to further fading.

By combining these methods, you can extend the life of your garment and avoid dark colors losing their intensity prematurely.