A suitable detergent for each wash: DARK GARMENTS

Washing black garments can make us worry, because we are afraid of staining lighter clothes, and damaging the bright finish of dark fabrics with the passing of time.

The colour black comes from the absorption of the whole visible spectrum of the light by the fabric (specifically by the colourant). Absorbing all the light, the fabric does not reflect any colour, so it shows the “colour” black. The complete absorption of light also causes an absorption of heat. That’s why if you wear dark clothes in summer you perceive a higher temperature than when you wear white garments or other colours.

Colourants used for black are usually inorganic, that is to say derived from oxides or molecules containing metals. For example, among the various colourants used, we find carbon or iron oxides. The colour black derives from inorganic compounds that are easy to find, so it’s one of the most ancient colours. In the past people used to burn bones, wood or seeds, thus creating a carbonaceous compound suitable to dye fabrics.

The intensity of the colour black depends on the higher quantity of colourants in the fabrics and its power of absorption. Nevertheless this specific property of absorption of light and colours causes a remarkable absorption of energy that leads to auto-degradation: the result is a loss of intensity in the dark colour of the fabric.
Because of this effect, after using and washing clothes many times, it is necessary to treat the colour to make it intense and deep again.

The chemical composition of black colourants makes them soluble (and easily removable from the fabric) in certain washing conditions.
Moreover the solubility of the colourant leads to the transfer of colours on other fabrics, thus leaving noticeable stains.

For these reasons the right detergent to wash dark garments should:

• avoid solubilization and removal of black colourant;

• restore the intensity and depth of black;

• prevent colour transfer.

Here is the list of Dr. Conedera’s “black-saving tips”:

1. Do not overload the washing machine: fill only half of the drum.
2. Avoid washing dark clothes with colourful ones, especially if they are new.
3. Wash garments inside out, to prevent fabrics from rubbing against each other during the wash.
4. Use low temperatures (always follow the instructions on the label) or cold water and set short cycles.
5. Use a specific detergent for black clothes. We suggest HygienFresh® Black Premium, that is suitable to wash both by hand and in the washing machine.
6. Never let garments dry in broad sunlight. In the tumble dryer choose a delicate cycle and a low temperature. Heat is usually an enemy of black.
7. Iron clothes inside out, to avoid the “shiny” effect.

Our research laboratory has developed Hygienfresh® Black Premium detergent to protect and nourish dark fabrics: it’s a specific liquid detergent for dark and black garments, suitable to wash both by hand and in the washing machine.
The formula of Hygienfresh® Black Premium is rich in surfactants, for thorough cleaning, additives against colour transfer and black-enhancing enzymes.
Anti-redeposition additives avoid the solubilisation of colours during the wash. In this way they prevent the loss of colour, and consequently the loss of intensity of black on the fabric and colour transfer on other clothes. These particular additives carry out two actions, since they preserve black and prevent possible transfers.
Black-enhancing enzymes are innovative biomolecules that treat the fibre at microscopic level, thus brightening the colour. Besides, these particular enzymes eliminate the fibrils of cotton. Cotton fibrils are the white knots that we usually see on cotton garments, such as socks.

By eliminating fibrils, we boost the intensity and depth of the black colour, making the fabric look like new.
The formula of this specific detergent is delicate on colours and fibres and prevents the fading and redeposition of non-fixed colours.
HygienFresh® Black Premium can be used on all natural or synthetic fabrics to wash both by hand and in the washing machine.

Suggested dosage:
WASHING MACHINE – Use 25ml of product per 4/5kg of normal dirty clothes. Increase the dose up to 45ml in case of heavily soiled garments.
WASHING BY HAND – Dilute 30ml of product per 10 litres of water.

Each cap contains 30ml of product.
Hard water (>25°f) +5ml • Soft water (<15°f) -6ml

There are particularly delicate dark clothes that need special care to maintain the original brightness. This is the case of suede and leather garments.
After months or years of use, these materials may fade in some areas. In this case the best solution is using an equalizing and reviving spray with darkening effect.

Rennalux Scurente restores the original colour, making dark suede soft and velvety again.
The best way to take care of these garments is dry-cleaning them with cold solvent for 4-5 minutes. Afterwards let them dry at a temperature lower than 35°C. Their surface must be treated with a specific brush.
After these processes you can use Rennalux Scurente spray, that will restore the material to its original intense and deep dark colour.
Before applying, shake well and spray evenly from a distance of 20-30 cm. Then leave the garments dry in the open.