How to Fade Black Jeans to Grey
Jeans are a versatile and popular item of clothing, but they can sometimes be a little too dark and heavy for everyday wear. We’ll show you how to fade black jeans to grey using simple techniques that anyone can do at home in this post.
It’s a subtle and straightforward way to change your look, and it can be done with minimal effort. Here are a few tips on fading your black jeans to grey. So if you’re looking for a way to lighten up your look, keep reading!
What Causes Jeans to Fade?
Fading occurs in high-friction areas, which are usually in the front, back, and knees. Jeans will fade in these commonly bent areas when they are washed regularly. Drying with heat (such as in a clothes dryer) speeds up the fading process by ‘cooking’ the dye molecules into the fabric. This can also cause significant shrinkage.
Untreated jeans will fade after a few washing items, depending on the materials and colors of the fabric. The dye in pre-treated denim tends to be more resistant to fading as it usually has a larger molecule structure which makes it stronger and harder to break down by the chemicals in the dye. If you want to keep on top of your fading, try wearing a dark t-shirt underneath so your skin doesn’t show through the jeans.
Needed Materials:
Black Jeans:
You will need a pair of black jeans that you want to fade to grey. It’s best to use 100% cotton denim as it takes color and bleach well.
Bleach:
Bleach is the key ingredient in fading your jeans from black to grey. You can use either chlorine or oxygen bleach, but we recommend using the latter as it is less harsh on your clothing and the environment.
Spray Bottle:
To create a faded look, you’ll need to dilute the bleach with water. A spray bottle will help distribute the mixture evenly over your jeans.
Protective Gloves:
Bleach can be harmful to your skin, so make sure to wear gloves when handling it.
Plastic Sheet:
To protect your work surface, lay down a plastic sheet before starting the fading process. This will prevent any accidental spills or damage.
How to Fade Black Jeans to Grey: 12 Best Methods
1. Lemon Juice:
This is a popular and simple option: mix lemon juice, water, and baking soda in equal parts, then use the solution to soak the black jeans. After letting them sit for an hour or two, wash them with cold water and allow them to hang dry in the sun. This will result in a very light grey color. You can re-fade by repeating this process.
It is best to use freshly squeezed lemon juice as the citric acid can help break down the dye molecules in the fabric. Additionally, leaving the jeans in direct sunlight will also contribute to their fading.
2. Salt Water Solution:
Another popular method is to soak the black jeans in a saltwater solution for 30 minutes, wash them with cold water, and dry them in the sun. The result will be lighter grey color without any patchiness. You can re-fade by repeating this process until you desire fading result. Just be sure to use cold water and avoid using hot water as it can cause the dye molecules to set.
It is important to note that this method may take longer to achieve a noticeable fading effect, so be patient and repeat the process as needed.
3. Vinegar:
Vinegar is also one of the household ingredients that can gradually fade black jeans. Mix vinegar, baking powder, and salt in equal portions, then soak them for about 30 minutes before washing them with cold water. This will produce a darker shade of grey after drying in the sun. Repeat this process until you get the desired result.
But be careful not to use too much vinegar, as it can cause a strong odor and may irritate your skin. You can also add a few drops of essential oils to the mixture to help mask the smell.
4. Use Hydrogen Peroxide:
Mix 3% hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and salt in equal parts. Then, soak the black jeans for about 2 hours before washing them with cold water and hang them out to dry in the sun. This will produce a grey color without any patchiness and fade the black color in some areas. Repeat the process to get the desired result.
You can also use this method with a spray bottle for more precision fading. Just be sure to protect your skin and work surface while handling the hydrogen peroxide. The mixture can also be harsh on the environment, so use it with caution.
5. Use A Laundry Ball:
If you do not want to soak your black jeans in chemicals, go for a laundry ball that will naturally help you fade them. First, fill the box of the pressing balls with water and add four teaspoons of baking soda to it. Now, place the filled box in with your black jeans when washing them. This process will make them fade gradually without any side effects.
If you do not have a laundry ball, you can use regular tennis balls or dryer balls with baking soda to achieve a similar effect. But be sure to check the ingredients of your detergent and make sure it won’t affect the fading process.
6. Use An Oven:
Another popular method is to place the black jeans in a heated oven and let them absorb some of the heat and fade naturally. However, this process will produce uneven fading and is not considered safe.
You can also use a blow dryer to achieve similar results, but this will take longer. Just be sure to keep an eye on the jeans and avoid overheating them, which can cause damage. It is best to use this method in combination with another fading technique.
7. Use ammonia:
Another household product that can gradually fade black jeans is ammonia. Mix 4 parts of water with 1 part of ammonia in a bowl, then soak the jeans for about 2 hours before washing them in cold water with regular laundry detergent. This will produce faded black jeans without any side effects and remove all stains.
You can also use this method with a spray bottle for more precision fading. Just be sure to protect your skin and work surface while handling ammonia as it is known to have a strong odor.
8. Use Sunlight:
Another natural way to fade black jeans is to dry them outside in the sun. Firstly, hang them out of direct sunlight and allow them to absorb some heat from the sun. Then, move the jeans under direct Sunlight for a few hours till you get your desired result. Repeat this process till your black jeans turn into a medium shade of grey.
But be careful not to leave the jeans out in direct sunlight for too long as it can cause fading and damage to the fabric.
9. Washing Machine:
Try washing your black jeans in the machine in a hot setting with regular detergent to fade them quickly. Make sure not to use any bleach while doing this. This is one of the best ways to fade jeans because they fade evenly, and patches are almost unnoticeable. Just be aware that this method can cause a lot of wear and tear on your jeans, so it is best to use it sparingly.
You can also add a few towels or old clothes to the wash to create friction and speed up the fading process.
10. Use a Steamer:
Another way to fade black jeans is by using a steamer. This process will remove all the creases from your black jeans and make them look brand new. Make sure to steam from the inside of the jeans because it may cause them to rip or tear if you do not. It is better to find a steamer that can be used on jeans to make this process easier.
It is essential to note that steaming can also cause the jeans to shrink, so be cautious and test on a small area first. Repeat the process as needed until you get the desired result.
11. Use Nail Polish Remover:
This is one of the most effective ways to naturally fade black jeans and remove stains from them without any side effects. First, you have to soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover then rub it on the black jeans. Repeat this process until you get the desired result. Just be sure to use an acetone-free nail polish remover to avoid damaging the fabric.
It is essential to note that this method can cause fading and damage quickly, so be cautious and test on a small area first. You can also mix the nail polish remover with water for more control over the fading process.
12. Use Bleach:
If none of the above methods work for you, try bleaching your black jeans to fade them. Mix salt and some bleach in a bowl and add water to it. Soak the black jeans overnight in this solution and wash them with cold water the next morning before wearing them. This process will erase some color from your jeans and fade them, but it can also cause some damage to the fabric. Make sure you do not use too much bleach while doing this because it will ruin your jeans completely.
But remember bleach can also cause irreversible damage to the fabric, so use it as a last resort and with extreme caution. It is always better to test on a small area first before applying it to the entire garment.
Following these methods, you can successfully fade your black jeans and achieve the desired look. Just be sure to follow proper precautions and test on a small area first before applying any of these methods to your entire garment. With a little patience and experimentation, you can turn your black jeans into trendy faded ones without spending extra money on buying new ones. Now, you can rock a faded black jeans look without any worry about damaging the environment.
Some Tips and Suggestions:
Here are some tips and suggestions on how to fade black jeans to grey.
1. To fade black jeans effectively, you need to apply a bleaching agent on them. This is because the dye molecules are too strong for just washing or scrubbing alone, and that will take forever to fade your jeans to grey.
2. For the first six months, wear your black jeans as often as you can, with no inhibitions, of course. Wearing them every day means they will fade faster, which means you will be able to use them sooner.
3. To fade your black jeans faster, you need to apply bleach. You can use a toothbrush or any other clean and handy tool. Wrap the toothbrush’s bristles with a paper towel so it doesn’t drip all over your pants.
4. After bleaching, rinse your jeans thoroughly with cold water and let them dry. Do not wash! The washing process will cause the color to fade.
5. After six months of daily wear, you can start doing what you’re supposed to do with your jeans, such as wearing them in the dirt and getting them wet. You can also bleach them repeatedly if they don’t fade much during this period.
6. If you have a pair that you don’t use anymore or a relative’s old jeans, they would be perfect for your experiment. You can also try to dye the jeans with a dark blue color and see if they will gradually fade out after repeated washes.
7. Washing is the hardest part of this process since you don’t want your jeans to fade too much in just a month or so. You can still wash them but try to plan them well and avoid washing them when the weather is hot.
How Do You Wash the Fabric to Achieve the Desired Result?
Heat is what changes the color of your jeans. For example, when you first dye your jeans black, they are just a very dark navy blue. The heat from washing will break down the dye molecule and change them to that desired black color.
The hotter the water temperature, the more dye will be removed. So I typically use hot water, and then once the jeans are fully washed, and in the dryer, I open the door and let them cool off in there with the heat still running.
Your goal is to remove as much dye as possible without removing too much indigo from the original fabric itself. You can tell if you’ve lost too much indigo if your jeans start to look like a pale blue. If this happens, you can stop washing them, and they will fade back to blue over time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I Use Vinegar to Fade Black Jeans?
A: Yes, you can. Vinegar is a safe and natural alternative to bleach that can help fade black jeans without damaging the fabric. It is also great for removing odors and stains from your clothes. You can add 1 cup of vinegar to your washing machine along with detergent and wash your black jeans on a hot water cycle. Repeat this process until you get the desired result.
Q: Can I Use Lemon Juice to Fade Black Jeans?
A: Yes, you can. Lemon juice is an excellent natural bleaching agent that can help fade black jeans without damaging the fabric. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and water and soak your jeans in this solution for a few hours before washing them with cold water. Repeat this process until you get the desired result. Just be cautious, as lemon juice can also cause fading and damage to the fabric if not used properly.
Q: How Long Will It Take for My Black Jeans to Fade?
A: The time it takes for your black jeans to fade depends on various factors, such as how often you wear them, the type of dye used, and the method you use to fade them. On average, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for your black jeans to fade completely. However, with the methods mentioned above, you can speed up this process and achieve the desired result sooner.
Q: Can I Still Wear My Jeans After Fading Them?
A: Yes, you can still wear your jeans after fading them. In fact, faded black jeans can give a trendy and stylish look to any outfit. Just make sure to follow proper precautions and test on a small area first before fading them completely to avoid any irreversible damage to the fabric. Also, remember that repeated washing and bleaching can cause the fabric to weaken over time, so use these methods sparingly for long-lasting results.
Conclusion:
After reading this blog post, you now know how to fade black jeans to grey! To maintain the color, be sure not to wash these jeans for at least 4-5 weeks. As well as fading your pants from black to gray, you also created two new pairs that are now perfect for spring and summer.
The jeans should be faded to a light grey color when you are done. All that is left for you is to make sure they fit well and wear them with pride! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask us! We hope this article has been helpful to you, and we wish you all the best on your journey into denim DIYs.
Nancy Behan
Nancy is an embroidery artist, fashion blogger and a full time editor at DIY quickly. Nancy edits the fashion section on DIY quickly, focusing on the embroidery and cross stitch articles, alongside with fabric and other costume design elements. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History. She loves to work on her own projects, read books and watch romantic movies in her spare time.
