Nik-
Some Tips 'n' Trixx I've used/use:
1) Cold Water only (duh) and all blacks in the same load (duh).
2) Minimal amount of detergent.
3) Close all zippers and button all buttons to prevent abrasion. Before laundering, turn all garments inside out, until they come out of the dryer.
4) Washing new black jeans with older blacks is just as effective as using dye.
5) Front loading washers are gentler than top loaders with an agitator.
6) Develop a "Black Wardrobe Hierarchy." Newest blacks are for show run only. Console operating clothes are nicer than deck crew clothes. As articles age, they get demoted, the lowest rung being for scene painting.
7) When working with electricity, your garments DO meet/exceed the
NFPA 70E guidelines, correct?