How to Wash Jeans

Jeans are a daily drive for most of us. A pair of jeans is a wardrobe staple, known for their durability, comfort, and style versatility. They’re rugged, versatile, stylish, and a go-to for everything from lazy Sundays to smart-casual nights out. But keeping them looking fresh without ruining their fit or fading their colour? That’s an art.

Whether you’re rocking raw denim or a pair of crisp white jeans, we’ve got you covered with practical tips to keep them in top shape. This guide is packed with insider advice (and a few sneaky hacks) to help you wash your jeans the right way.

 

 

Introduction to Denim Care

Denim care is an essential aspect of maintaining the quality and longevity of your jeans. Washing jeans requires attention to detail, and following the right steps can help prevent fading, shrinkage, and damage to the fabric. 

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of washing and drying jeans, including tips on how to choose the right detergent, prevent fading, and dry your jeans to keep them looking their best. 

Whether you’re washing raw denim jeans, black jeans, or any other type of denim, we’ve got you covered. By following these denim care tips, you can extend the life of your jeans and keep them looking great for years to come.

Quick fact: washing machines are basically a mosh pit for denim. Fabrics rub against each other, which can cause fading, wear, and even those annoying fuzz balls. 

Before tossing your jeans inside a washing machine, flip them inside out and zip up the fly. This helps protect the outer fabric and keeps them looking pristine for longer. A simple trick with a big payoff.

 

Pick the Right Wash Cycle

While we’d all love to have the time to hand wash our jeans like denim purists, life can get busy. For most people, a gentle machine cycle with cold water is the sweet spot. It’s crucial to rinse jeans thoroughly to remove detergent and dirt, ensuring they stay clean and soft. 

No intense machine washing, spinning or boiling temps here, please! Cooler settings and a delicate cycle will help preserve dye and prevent shrinkage. If you’ve got raw denim (we’ll get to that), skip the machine entirely.

 

Choosing the Right Detergent

When it comes to washing jeans, choosing the right detergent is crucial. A mild detergent that is specifically designed for washing denim is the best option. Avoid using harsh detergents or those that contain bleach, as they can cause fading and damage to the fabric.

For dark clothes, such as black jeans, use a detergent that is designed to preserve the color and prevent fading. When washing raw denim jeans, use a mild soap that is gentle on the fabric. Remember to always check the care label on your jeans to see what type of detergent is recommended.

Resist the urge to pour in regular detergent or (ugh) fabric softener. Maintaining the integrity and shape of stretch denim fabrics is crucial to ensure their longevity and fit. These can strip your favourite pair of their rich colour and even weaken the fibres over time. 

Instead, opt for a detergent designed specifically for denim or a mild option in small doses. Feeling fancy? There are natural laundry soap bars you can use to pretreat stains.

 

Drying Without Ruining

Here’s the thing about dryers and denim – they don’t always get along. Over-drying causes jeans to shrink or lose their shape. The golden rule? Don’t rely on the spin cycle. Take them out while they’re still slightly damp, give them a good shake, and smooth them out to dry flat or on a hanger. 

Need a little softness or shaping? Dry jeans in the dryer on low for just a few minutes before laying them flat to finish drying. Whatever you do, avoid cranking up the heat – air drying is the way forward.

Air drying is a great way to dry your jeans, as it helps prevent shrinkage and fading. When you air dry your jeans, you can hang them up or lay them flat, depending on your preference. Hanging your jeans up to air dry can help prevent wrinkles and creases, while laying them flat can help prevent stretching. 

Either way, air drying is a gentle way to dry your jeans that won’t cause damage to the fabric. To air dry your jeans, simply hang them up or lay them flat in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. You can also use a drying rack to speed up the drying process.

 

 

Sprinkle Some Salt & Vinegar Magic

This might sound like we’re about to marinate your jeans, but trust us, it works! Add four parts white vinegar and one part salt to the wash to set the colours and stop any bleeding.

This is a great hack for dark denim or new pairs. Bonus? That “vinegar smell” vanishes once they’re dry. It’s all reward, no downside – just don’t get carried away and add ketchup to the mix.

 

Extra Care for Raw Denim Jeans

If you’re a raw denim lover, you already know the drill. Avoiding shrunken jeans is crucial to maintaining the unique characteristics of raw denim. The key is patience. Wait at least six months before that first wash – if you can hold out that long. 

When you do wash them, stick to cold water and gentle hand washing with no detergent. It’s all about preserving those rich indigo hues and avoiding shrinkage. A little care here goes a long way.

 

Separate the Whites

You’ve probably heard this before, but white jeans need VIP treatment. Wash your jeans solo to avoid any accidental dye mishaps from your dark clothes. It’s also crucial to wash new jeans separately from other clothes to prevent colour bleeding and dye transfer. 

Cold water, a gentle cycle, and no tumble drying are the rules to stick to. Hang or lay them flat to keep them looking sharp and bright.

 

Spot Clean Stains

Got a coffee spill or a smudge, but your jeans aren’t visibly dirty? Removing dirt from raw denim during the washing process is crucial to ensure that all grime is thoroughly eliminated.

Don’t throw your jeans in the wash unnecessarily. Instead, spot clean isolated stains with a stain remover or even a dab of mild detergent. 

Use a damp cloth to tackle the stain without soaking the entire pair. Your jeans will thank you.

 

Preventing Fading and Damage

Preventing fading and damage to your jeans is crucial to maintaining their quality and longevity. To prevent fading, wash your jeans in cold water and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight. You can also use a detergent that is designed to preserve the colour and prevent fading. 

To prevent damage, avoid using harsh detergents or bleach, and never wring or twist your jeans when they are wet. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and lay them flat to air dry. By following these tips, you can help prevent fading and damage to your jeans and keep them looking their best. 

Remember to always check the care label on your jeans to see what specific steps you can take to prevent fading and damage.

 

Washing Jeans Like a Pro

From turning them inside out to using salt and vinegar, these tips are all about keeping your jeans at their best. This step-by-step guide will help you wash your jeans without a machine, ensuring delicate fabrics and colours are preserved. 

Treat them right, and they’ll last for years. And when you’re ready to add a new pair to the rotation, take a look at the vast selection of denim in our stocks. There’s something for everyone…

 

 

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