Here’s why you’ll want to put pepper in your laundry

1. Pepper prevents color fading

Adding a small amount of ground black pepper to your wash can help keep the colors of your clothes vibrant and fresh. The rough texture of the pepper acts as a natural abrasive, helping to remove detergent residue that may cause fading without damaging the fabric.

2. It’s an eco-friendly choice

Using pepper means you can reduce the amount of harsh chemicals in your laundry routine. This spice naturally breaks down safely in the environment, making it a more sustainable washing additive compared to chemical anti-fading agents.

3. Cost-effective laundry solution

Ground black pepper is an inexpensive ingredient compared to specialized laundry products. A small pinch can go a long way in keeping your clothes looking new, all within a modest budget.

4. It enhances detergent effectiveness

Pepper can aid in the cleaning process by helping to break down dirt and oils, enhancing the effectiveness of your detergent. This results in a more efficient wash cycle with potentially less detergent usage.

5. Safe for most fabrics

While it’s advisable to carry out a small patch test, ground pepper typically does not harm fabrics. It is a gentle abrasive that assists in the cleaning process without the risk of damage to your clothes.

Adding pepper to your laundry might sound unconventional, but it’s a trick that some people use to help keep colors bright and prevent colors from running. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Measure the Pepper: Use about a teaspoon of ground black pepper. This amount is sufficient for a standard load of laundry.

Add Pepper to Detergent: Pour your usual amount of laundry detergent into the detergent compartment of your washing machine. Then, add the teaspoon of ground black pepper directly to the detergent. The pepper acts as a mild abrasive, helping to keep the colors in your fabrics vibrant.

Load Your Laundry: Put your colored garments into the washing machine. It’s best to use this pepper trick with colors rather than whites, as you’re aiming to preserve the brightness of colors.

Set the Washing Machine: Select the cold water setting on your washing machine. Cold water is essential, as it helps to prevent colors from running, which complements the function of the pepper.

Start the Wash Cycle: Run your washing machine as usual. The movement of the wash cycle will help distribute the pepper and detergent mixture evenly across your clothing.

Remove Clothes After Washing: Once the wash cycle is complete, remove your clothes from the machine. There should be no trace of pepper left on the clothes due to the rinse cycle.

Check the Results: After drying, check your clothes. You should find that the colors are a bit brighter and that there is less bleeding of colors than before.