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Camilla Sharman

15 September 2025

Extend the lifespan of your clothes

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Laundry Drying
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

When I first heard about this top laundry tip involving another kitchen staple, I was skeptical. I’m all for making clothes last longer to help save the planet and reduce my spending on garments, but it seemed a little too quirky.

But, then again, there are already plenty of other kitchen ingredients, such as baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar, that are brilliant at various laundry tasks, so why not add another one into the mix!?
With the rising cost of living, many families are looking for ways to hold onto items a little bit longer, especially extending the life of clothing and getting the most out of their washing machines. Luckily, one expert says that this laundry trick will stop your clothes from fading in the wash, giving you more wear from your garments before they need to be recycled.

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How I remove grease stains from clothing using just two household ingredients — it works for me every time

I asked laundry experts why there are detergent stains on my clothes — and it’s down to these 3 common mistakes

I never lose my socks in the laundry thanks to this expert-approved hack, and it’s totally free

The cost-saving condiment hack

(Image credit: Shutterstock)
“We all want our clothing to look new, and one of the biggest reasons we get rid of them is that colors can start to fade. This can happen because detergents can cling to the fibres, which wears the fabric down, but there is a quick fix for this,” says Leanne Smith, a clothing expert from Trendy Tots.

Smith explains that you can make colors stay brighter for longer by stopping your laundry detergent from sticking to the fabric. “While it may sound strange, adding a spoonful of black pepper to your wash can help it act as a barrier between your clothes and the detergent,” she says.
While most people will already have it in their cupboards, if it’s not a condiment that you regularly use, you can pick it up from your local grocery store, or direct from Amazon, where an Amazon Saver jar of black pepper will set you back $1.69, for 2.25 oz.
And if you were concerned that your clothes might come out smelling of pepper — fear not. “Pepper rinses away completely and leaves no trace behind,” explains Smith, “What you are left with is clothing that looks newer and lasts longer even after repeated washes.”

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This ultra-smart and well-priced washer is stacked with smart features without being tricky to use, which is why it takes the top spot in our washing machine guide. Apart from looking sleek, it has a generous 5.3 cu. ft. capacity, an automatic detergent dispenser and is quiet to run.

How does black pepper work to make your clothes last longer?
You may think that fading and damage are just a natural part of washing clothes, but poor washing habits could mean you are damaging your clothes in a washing machine, and cutting the lifespan of your clothing dramatically. Black pepper acts as a natural barrier, which means less build-up and less color bleeding.
Leanne adds, “Families often spend hundreds each year to replace faded T-shirts, jumpers, and other items of clothing. This is where the black pepper can help. By trying this simple hack, you can cut down on waste, save money, and keep your favourite outfits looking as good as new.”
How to use black pepper in your wash

(Image credit: Shutterstock)
I love black pepper and sprinkle it liberally over every meal, but apart from seasoning your food, it clearly has laundry superpowers.
Simply add a teaspoon of ground black pepper to your regular detergent, and you’ll notice that your clothes not only keep their color but also come out looking cleaner and smelling fresher. According to Healthy Green Kitchen, black pepper not only brightens your colors but also banishes soap scum and boosts your detergent’s cleaning power.
So, it seems that black pepper has more benefits than just making our food taste nicer; it can also help extend the lifespan of our clothes.
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Camilla Sharman

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Staff Writer, Homes

Camilla is the Homes Staff Writer and covers everything to do with homes and gardens. She has a wealth of editorial experience, mounting over 30 years, and covers news and features, tests products for reviews and compiles buying guides.

Her work has appeared in business and consumer titles, including Ideal Home, Real Homes, House Beautiful, Homebuilding & Renovation, and Kitchen & Bathroom Business. She’s even appeared on the cover of Your Home, writing about her own house renovation.

Although she’s obsessed with decorating her home, she also enjoys baking and trying out the latest kitchen appliances. But when she’s not inside, you’ll find her pottering about in her yard, tending to her vegetable patch or taking in her prized hydrangeas.

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