Dying old pair of jeans black, is there anything I can do to make then turn out as good as possible?

Question

wash them beforehand?

use softener/no softener?

Anything?

Answer 1

Wash them in cold water and hang them to dry. Do not dry them to preserve the color. Or if so, take them to the cleaners.

Answer 2

Make sure all the dye is dissolved in the pot before you put the garment in.  Stir and boil about 5 minutes.

Rinse in cold water till the water runs clear.  Always wash the garment in cold water.  Do not expect the true black color to be retained for longer than 3-4 months.

Always dry the garment in a dryer, not on a line, because it will fade badly.

I once heard that adding vinegar to the pot of dye helps set it in the material better.

Good luck.  It has been 30 years since I last dyed anything, and that was tie-dying some pillowcases.

Answer 3

cold water wash them beforehand and dry them without fabric softener.

Read the instructions on the box and follow it to a "t".  I dyed pieces of cloth for our "boo"house last year and they went from white linen to black and they turned out great....I just did what they box did and then let them line dry.  It's messy so wear gloves.  It's kind of fun though.  I wish I could thump Freaky Deaky in the head for you...thump, thump!!!  Good luck!!!

Peace & Love :)