Ideas on how to stop black clothes from fading after a few washes?

[MagNacarta]

I mostly (but not always) wash black clothes in detergent designed for colours, but still they fade. DH wears a lot of black and has just bought a few new items, which I am determined to keep black for as long as possible. So, I wondered if any of you have any top tips?

I wash black or strongly-coloured stuff with an Ecover detergent at 30 delicate, seems to be holding up OK.
Though I am strict about separating it out, luckily there is usually enough for a full load.

Wash them inside out on cold wash with no softner. Apparently the softner affects the threads and they lose colour more quickly and when inside out the outside black threads don't come in contact with the machine drum and 'rub' off the fabric dye. Both these words of wisdom are from my mum who is kindly reading over my shoulder! So I have no idea if it works or not.

Don't dry them in direct sunlight - or turn them inside out if you do. The sun can bleach them too.

Always wash inside out, no more than 40 degrees, easy-care cycle ie not really long.

And then use black Dylon regularly.

Inside out, cold wash and... add a bit of salt to the detergent drawer.

Hmm, thank you all - I do sort the clothes according to colour and turn them inside out already. Will try putting them on a shorter easy care cycling and salt!

Check the label before you buy. Clothes with a high cotton content will always fade I'm afraid!

Not sure if they have this here but in Aus there's a special detergent for black clothes you can get at the supermarket. Never used it though so I can't tell you how effective it is.

Don't hang them on the line in the full, hot sun either as that can fade black clothes too.