Okay, so there’s a lot of debate in the fashion and just, well, world in general lol about how to wash your jeans. Oh, and the biggest debate seems to center around how often to wash your jeans with opinions varying between never and after every use and people feeling very strongly one way or another. Who knew denim care could be so controversial? I actually had someone ask me how I wash my jeans and a couple people ask how often I do and I felt a little like the question was too personal or something lol. I actually think that’s because I was embarrassed to answer that I don’t wash my jeans nearly enough, and when I do, I kind of just wing it and should really know how to care for my clothes properly. To that end, I decided to do some research and put together a step-by-step guide on how to wash jeans.
The thing is that washing jeans can be a bit trickier than just throwing them in the washing machine with the rest of your clothes because you want to preserve their color and shape. There’s also the shrinkage factor to think about, which is one of the main reasons I don’t wash mine that often. Even when I let them air dry, they feel extra snug after a washing, which on the wrong morning can feel triggering (anyone else?). But the truth is, it’s important to care for your clothes properly, particularly items like jeans you wear on the reg. And with kids and my inability to eat or drink without spilling, my jeans need to be washed from time to time. So I did the work and put together all the best tips for how to wash your jeans.
How Often Should You Wash Your Jeans?
Okay, this is a big debate and honestly, there’s no one right answer. It’s similar to how often you should wash your sheets. Different people have different preferences and the experts say different things. The frequency with which you should wash your jeans depends on several factors, including personal preference, lifestyle, and the level of dirt or odor they accumulate.
Some people can’t imagine not washing a clothing item after every wear, but jeans do not need to be washed as frequently as other clothing items like underwear or socks. Washing them too often can cause the fabric to wear out quickly and may lead to fading. Instead of washing your jeans every time you wear them, consider spot cleaning them. Use a damp cloth or a sponge to gently clean stains or spills as they occur. Mom hack: I also find baby wipes work wonders.
Personally, I will wait until my jeans have a stain or are dirty or if I’ve worn them quite a bunch (I’m talking like 5 or more times). Hanging your jeans in a well-ventilated area, like outside or in a bathroom with good airflow, can help freshen them up between wears. Some internet hacks recommend placing your jeans in a plastic bag and then in the freezer for a few hours can kill bacteria and eliminate odors. Of course, this method is not as effective as washing and i sort of feel like if you’re going to do that, you might as well wash them, but throwing that out there.
How to Wash Your Jeans
Okay, once you’ve decided it is time to wash your jeans, here’s what to keep in mind.
Check the Care Label: Seems obvious but feel like I need to say this because I often forget to do this and have had to pay the price. Before you begin, check the care label on your jeans. Some jeans have specific care instructions, such as water temperature or washing cycle recommendations. Always follow these instructions if provided. Seriously. Some jeans require certain approaches to washing and they’re recommended that way for a reason.
Separate Your Jeans: Washing jeans with items that have zippers, buttons, or heavy fabrics can cause friction and result in pilling or damage to your jeans. Either wash them separately with other denim items, or with darks in case they bleed at all.
Turn Your Jeans Inside Out: This helps minimize fading and abrasion on the outside of your jeans. This step is especially important if your jeans are dark or have a deep color.
Use Cold Water: Washing your jeans in cold water helps preserve the color and prevent shrinkage. Hot water can cause the dye to fade more quickly.
Choose a Gentle Cycle: Opt for a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine. If your machine has a “denim” cycle, you can use that as well.
Use a Mild Detergent: Avoid harsh detergents or those with bleach as they can fade the color of your jeans. Use a mild detergent designed for delicates or dark clothing.
Avoid Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners can break down the fibers of your jeans and affect their shape. It’s best to skip the fabric softener when washing jeans.
Don’t Overload the Machine: This isn’t jean specific but I often forget this. Don’t cram too many pairs of jeans into the washing machine at once. Overloading can prevent proper cleaning and lead to uneven wear.
Air Dry: To maintain the shape and fit of your jeans, it’s best to air dry them. Hang them up by the waistband or lay them flat on a towel to dry. Avoid hanging them by the belt loops, as this can cause them to stretch.
And those are my top tips for how to wash your jeans. Was that helpful? What do you want help caring for next? And spill: how often do you wash your jeans?
My Favorite Products for Caring for Your Denim:
My Favorite Jeans Right Now:
Comment