Are your dark clothes slowly fading in colour after being washed? It’s less than ideal when your favourite clothes come out of the washing machine clean but don’t come out in the condition they went in.

Now, though, a mum-of-two has shared her hack that she says helps revive dark clothes naturally.

Bathroom and kitchen experts Plumbworld shared that Sarah Thompson, 39, from Manchester, has revealed how adding a splash of black tea or coffee during the rinse cycle can help revive dark clothing naturally, all for around £1.20 per month.

Plumbworld explained that Sarah’s tip came from her grandmother and has saved countless items of clothing over the years.

She said: “My kids wear black school trousers and sweatshirts every day.

“After a few washes, they always looked worn out and faded. But adding cooled black tea in the rinse has really helped keep the colour fresh without using harsh dyes.”

She brews a strong cup of black tea or coffee, lets it cool and then pours it into the washing machine’s final rinse compartment or directly into the drum.

“It costs barely anything — I just use a cheap teabag or whatever instant coffee we already have,” she adds.

Why does black tea or coffee help restore colour in clothes?

Black tea and coffee contain natural tannins, which are plant-based compounds that have been used as dyes for centuries.

When used during the rinse cycle, they lightly tint dark fabrics and enhance the depth of black or navy hues.

Plumbworld explains: “Unlike synthetic dyes, tannins from tea and coffee cling gently to fabric fibres, helping to restore richness without staining lighter areas of clothing.”

This makes them particularly useful for black jeans, dark t-shirts, socks and school uniforms, which often fade with repeated washing.

How to use £1.20 hack to stop dark clothes fading after washes

Here’s how Sarah recommends doing it:

  1. Brew one strong cup of black tea or coffee (1 teabag or 1 tsp of instant coffee).
  2. Let it cool completely to avoid damaging the fabric.
  3. Pour it into the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine, or directly into the final rinse water if washing by hand.
  4. Wash darks separately, and don’t use this method on light clothing.
  5. Repeat every 2–3 washes to maintain colour.

A box of 80 basic black teabags costs around £1.20, according to Plumbworld, making each treatment just pennies per wash.

Take caution when trying this washing machine hack

While this hack is safe and effective for many households, Plumbworld says there are a few important things to consider:

  • It works best on natural fibres like cotton or denim, not synthetic fabrics such as polyester, which are less likely to absorb the tannins.
  • It’s not a permanent dye. The colour enhancement is temporary and subtle, but regular use helps maintain appearance.
  • Do not use this method on white or light-coloured clothing as it may cause discolouration.
  • Always ensure the tea or coffee is completely cooled before use to prevent fabric damage.

Plumbworld advises: “This is a great trick for cotton-based darks — but use it carefully and only on garments you want to darken or refresh.”

Extra laundry tips to keep dark clothes bold

  • Wash dark clothes inside out to protect outer fibres from friction.
  • Use cold water where possible to prevent colour breakdown.
  • Avoid overloading the drum as clothes need space to move freely.
  • Use gentle detergents for darks as some powders contain brighteners that can dull dark tones.
  • Air-dry in the shade as direct sunlight fades black garments quickly.

Plumbworld advises: “Dark fabrics can fade fast when exposed to heat, friction, and strong detergent. Small steps like this help preserve your clothes longer and cut down on replacements.”

The experts conclude: “With the cost of school uniforms and basics rising, small home hacks like this are worth knowing. Sarah’s tea trick is affordable, natural, and a clever way to give dark clothes a second life.”

Other uses for coffee and tea around the home and garden

Coffee and tea can be used in several other areas of the house with varying benefits.

For example, Chris Ware, a gardening expert at Climbing Wild Gardeners, shared a tea bag hack that helps grass grow healthily and means you can avoid using chemical fertilisers.

What's more, the trick will also keep slugs, snails, cats and foxes away from your plants.

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Chris explained: “Tea bags contain beneficial compounds that improve soil structure, retain moisture, and provide plants with essential nutrients.”

He added: “The strong scent of tea is unappealing to slugs and snails, making it an effective deterrent.

“Simply placing used tea bags around flower beds and vegetable patches can help keep these pests away.”

The smell can also discourage cats and foxes from digging up gardens. Chris suggests covering the tea bags with a light sprinkling of soil to disguise them while benefiting from their repellent properties.