Name: Sherry

Message: What is the formula to SET the color in a black pair of jeans??

First off, it does not involve vinegar or salt, two old myths that have no basis in fact. Neither vinegar nor salt will do anything to help set your dye color. See "Is there any way to "set" dye in purchased clothing or fabric?" for more information.

Blue denim jeans are dyed with indigo, a vat dye that cannot be set chemically. However, truly black jeans (not just dark blue) do contain dye that can be set, using a cationic dye fixative called Retayne. See "Commercial Dye Fixatives" for more information. You may be able to find this product in your local quilting store or fabric store, but it is more likely that you will have to purchase it by mail order.

Even without the dye fixative, you can help extend the life of the color in your new black jeans by turning them inside out beforehand, every time that you wash them, and wash them in cool water. Dry them indoors to avoid fading from the sun.

If you have old cotton or silk clothing that has faded, you can restore its black color by dyeing it in the washing machine with black Procion MX dye, in a bucket with Dylon Permanent Black dye, or, if you live in Europe, with black Dylon Machine Dye. (Dylon Machine Dye is not available in North America.) Do not use an all-purpose dye, such as Tintex or Rit, because it inevitably fades very quickly in the wash.

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