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The Dos and Don’ts of Washing Your Denim Jeans
Ever wondered why your favourite pair of jeans doesn’t last as long as you’d like? The secret lies in how you care for them. Denim jeans are more than just a staple—they’re an investment in style and durability. Proper washing techniques can make all the difference in preserving their fit, colour, and texture. We covered coated jeans in a previous blog post called ‘how to wash coated jeans‘, but here is a more in depth article for you on washing your jeans in general.
From demystifying washing frequencies to mastering cold water techniques and handling raw denim, this comprehensive guide will help you keep your jeans looking fresh and fabulous for years to come. Trust me, it’s really important that you do it right!
Is It Necessary to Wash Jeans After Every Wear?
No! Generally, it is not necessary to wash jeans after every wear, as frequent laundering can cause fading, shrinkage, and fabric wear. A practical guideline is to wash your jeans when you feel like they’re dirty, this could be after 3 to 10 wears, or sooner if they begin to develop an odour, or later, if you’re like me and don’t do a lot of physical exercise in them. The decision to wash should also depend on factors like physical activity, exposure to sweat or dirt, and personal hygiene preferences.
Denim fabric, known for its durability, is designed to withstand multiple wears while maintaining its shape and integrity. This allows extended periods between washes, preserving the fit and colour of the jeans. The more you wash jeans, the more they get damaged, so I do it as little as possible.
When cared for correctly, including proper washing techniques and limited laundering, jeans can last five to ten years or more, making them an excellent long-term wardrobe investment. However, certain circumstances, such as spills from indulgent treats like creamy white Russian coffee drinks or rich sauces, may require more immediate cleaning to avoid stains. It truly depends on what’s happened to your jeans and why you might need to wash them.
What Factors Determine the Frequency of Washing Jeans?
The frequency with which denim jeans should be washed is influenced by several factors, including the type of denim, lifestyle habits, and specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Understanding these factors can help in maintaining the quality and longevity of the jeans. So here are some examples:
Type of Denim
Raw denim, for instance, is often recommended to be washed less frequently to allow the fabric to develop a unique patina and to prevent premature fading. We did a full blog post on that!
In contrast, pre-washed or treated denim may be more resilient to frequent washing due to the pre-treatment processes that stabilise the fabric and colour.
Environmental Considerations
Sustainability is all about making mindful choices, and this could be a big impact for you when it comes to choosing to do the laundry, and whether or not you actually need to use the water. It’s kind of like the way you might store solar energy for future use to save resources, some people choose to wash their jeans less frequently to conserve water, or wash them all together. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also extends the lifespan of the jeans by minimising wear and tear.
Lifestyle and Activity Level
Individuals with active lifestyles or those who wear jeans in environments prone to dirt and sweat may need to wash their jeans more frequently. Conversely, those who wear jeans in less demanding settings may extend the time between washes, like myself.
Personal Hygiene Habits
Those who prioritise frequent laundering for hygiene reasons may choose to wash their jeans more often, while others may opt for spot cleaning or airing out jeans to reduce washing frequency. This may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how some people feel like they have to do something that makes them uncomfortable, just to follow the guidelines. Try to go as long as possible without washing your jeans, but if you feel you need to, do it, and don’t feel bad about it.
Manufacturer’s Care Instructions
Care labels provided by manufacturers offer specific guidance on washing frequency and how to. These instructions are tailored to the fabric composition and treatment of the jeans, ensuring that the recommended washing practices align with the intended durability and appearance of the product.
Should You Wash Jeans in Cold or Hot Water?
Understanding how water temperature affects your jeans is essential to maintaining their colour, fit, and overall quality. Below are key considerations to help you make the best choice.
Benefits of Washing Jeans in Cold Water
Cold water is generally recommended for washing jeans as it helps maintain the fabric and colour while reducing the risk of shrinkage. Dermatologist Alok Vij, MD, notes:
“Cold water helps preserve the fabric better. It also helps reduce the leaching of colour. And it’s OK because soaps in laundry detergent are powerful enough to get rid of the bacteria in your jeans without needing hot water.”
This method ensures your jeans remain vibrant, clean, and durable over time.
When to Use Hot Water for Jeans
Hot water can effectively remove stains and bacteria from jeans, making it beneficial for heavily soiled fabrics. However, it increases the risk of fading, shrinkage, and fabric weakening, which could alter your jeans’ appearance and texture. I never recommend washing your jeans in hot water at all.
Should You Consider Warm Water?
Warm water offers a balanced solution by combining the cleaning efficacy of hot water with the gentleness of cold. This option works well for jeans that need a deeper clean but are not stained excessively. Always verify care labels to ensure warm washes are appropriate as most jeans say cold water for obvious reasons. The warmer the water, the more the jeans will shrink and if they have stretch, can become saggy.
Environmental Impact of Cold Water Washing
Washing jeans in cold water is not only gentler on the fabric but also more sustainable. It conserves energy by reducing the need for heating water, lowering energy consumption and utility costs while promoting eco-friendly laundering practices.
What Does the Care Label Say?
Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions, as care labels provide valuable temperature recommendations based on the denim’s fabric composition and dye. Adhering to these guidelines ensures optimal cleaning without compromising quality.
Is It Better to Hand Wash or Machine Wash Jeans?
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Deciding between hand washing and machine washing jeans depends on the type of denim, the level of convenience you need, and the effort you’re willing to put into maintaining their quality. Below are important considerations for both methods.
Advantages of Hand-Washing Jeans
Hand washing is often the gentlest method for cleaning jeans, preserving their colour, texture, and overall longevity. By handling the fabric with care, you minimise fibre damage and reduce fading, particularly in raw or selvedge denim.
Use cold water and mild detergent, focusing on stained areas, and avoid twisting or wringing to retain the jeans’ shape. I haven’t personally hand washed any of my jeans though.
Benefits of Machine Washing Jeans
Machine washing is a quick and efficient way to clean jeans, especially for pre-washed or treated denim that has undergone softening processes.
To safeguard the fabric, turn the jeans inside out, select a gentle cycle with cold water, and use a mild detergent for dark or coloured fabrics.
Avoid overloading the machine and wash similar colours together to minimise wear and tear. I actually recommend washing jeans on their own though as the rougher denim fabric can rub against other clothing in the machine. Plus, the dye from jeans can leak.
When to Hand Wash vs. Machine Wash
– Hand Washing: Ideal for delicate fabrics like raw or selvedge denim that require extra care to prevent fading or damage.
– Machine Washing: Suitable for pre-washed or treated denim, offering convenience without significantly compromising the fabric’s integrity.
How to Protect Jeans During Washing
No matter your method, always follow these steps to extend the life of your jeans:
- Turn them inside out to reduce surface friction.
- Use cold water to prevent fading and shrinkage.
- Air-dry jeans to maintain their shape and texture, rather than using a dryer.
| Pre-Wash New Jeans: There is advice out there that says always wash new jeans before wearing them to remove any leftover chemicals from manufacturing. However, I never do this. This will immediately ruin the wash of the jeans if they are black or dark indigo, causing them to fade right from the start. I only recommend this if the jeans are bleached and washed blue already. However, it’s entirely up to you and how you feel. You can also opt for eco-friendly and ethically made jeans to minimise exposure to harmful substances from the start. |
How Can You Prevent Jeans from Fading During Washing?
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Preserving the colour and vibrancy of your jeans during washing requires applying specific techniques and careful handling. Below are effective strategies to minimise fading and maintain the denim’s original appearance.
Use a Gentle Cycle
Select a gentle washing machine cycle to reduce mechanical stress on the fabric, as excessive agitation accelerates fading. This ensures the dye stays intact while cleaning the jeans effectively.
Choose the Right Detergent
Use a detergent specifically designed for dark fabrics to retain the original hue of the denim. Avoid products containing bleach or optical brighteners, as they can strip the colour from your jeans.
Set the Dye with Vinegar
Pre-soak new jeans in a vinegar and water solution to help lock in the dye. Vinegar acts as a natural fixative that sets the colour, preventing fading during future washes. If you don’t like the smell, you can get specific colour preserver liquid instead.
Air Dry Your Jeans
Allow jeans to air dry instead of using a tumble dryer to avoid heat damage, which can weaken fibres and speed up fading. If air drying isn’t an option, use a low heat or cool setting on the dryer. But definitely don’t use heat to dry them. This will damage the elasticity, causing them to look saggy, and shrink the jeans.
Extend the Life of Your Jeans
Caring for your denim doesn’t have to be complicated. Wash only when necessary, opt for cold water, and avoid practices that can damage fabric or fade colours. For raw or delicate denim, hand washing is your best option, while pre-washed jeans can handle gentle machine cycles.
By following these straightforward tips, you can keep your jeans looking and feeling great, ensuring they remain a reliable part of your wardrobe for years to come.
