Yes, you can wash black clothes with laundry detergent meant for white clothes, but it's not ideal. Laundry detergents formulated specifically for white clothes may contain additives like bleach or brighteners that can be harsh on colored fabrics, potentially causing fading or discoloration over time.
For best results and to preserve the color of your black clothes, it's recommended to use a detergent specifically designed for colored or dark fabrics. These detergents typically do not contain bleach or brighteners and are formulated to be gentler on colors.
If you find yourself in a situation where you only have white clothes detergent available, you can use it in a pinch, but try to follow these tips to minimize potential color damage:
Use a small amount: Use a smaller amount of the white clothes detergent than you would typically use for a load of white clothes. This can help reduce the risk of detergent residue remaining on the black clothes.
Wash in cold water: Washing your black clothes in cold water can also help minimize color fading. Hot water can cause colors to bleed and fade more quickly.
Separate the laundry: If possible, try to separate black and dark-colored clothes from white clothes in the laundry. This will prevent any color transfer from the dark clothes to the whites.
Test a hidden area: Before washing all your black clothes, test a small hidden area (inside seam or hem) with the white clothes detergent to see if there are any adverse effects.
In the long run, it's better to invest in a detergent specifically designed for colored or dark fabrics to keep your black clothes looking their best.