But this isn’t the correct way to care for jeans.
We spoke with fashion and denim experts to find the best way to clean jeans for more longevity.
Always read thelaundry care tagof your jeans for the manufacturer’s guidelines on washing.
Photo: Mehmet Hilmi Barcin/Getty Images
(It’s OK to wait four or five wears between washes.)
Even thebest jeansneed to be washed to eliminate odors and bacteria, says Black.
Think about all the places you sit during the dayand don’t even get us started on germs!
But don’t overwash jeans because that will seriously cut into their longevity and cause fading.
Of course, if your jeans are looking dirty or havestubborn stains, wash them.
it’s possible for you to also mix laundry detergent with white vinegar.
Rub the detergent solution in with your fingers or gently scrub with a sponge or soft brush.
This spot-cleaning method is best for blood, grass, milk, ink, andmakeup stainson jeans.
you could also scrub the stain with a paste of baking soda and water.
Use an old toothbrush or soft scrubbing brush to clean the spot.
Allow the baking soda to sit for a few minutes if the stain is stubborn.
Baking soda works best for grass, red wine, andgrease stains.
This helps protect the denim’s fibers.
Close up any zippers before placing jeans in a washing machine to protect the fabric.
Ideally, you should wash jeans separately or with similarly dark-colored clothes.
This step is key to avoid shrinking or bleeding.
This methodhelps the denim last longer, keep its shape, and avoid shrinkage.
Let them thoroughly air-dry before wearing.
Fill the Tub
Fill aclean bathtub, large sink, or container with water.
You’ll need enough to submerge the jeans.
Add laundry detergent (about 1/2 a capful) and mix to combine.
Submerge Jeans
Place your jeans in the soapy water and swish them around.
Use your hands to move the jeans in the soap for one or two minutes.
Soak Jeans
Allow jeans to sit in the soapy water for 15 to 30 minutes.
This step helps the detergent soak into the denim and clean the jeans.
Drain and Refill
Remove the jeans, then drain the dirty water from the tub.
Fill it up again with plain, clean water.
Then, move the jeans around in the water to remove all dirt and detergent.
Squeeze and Dry
Remove jeans from the water and squeeze them to get rid of excess water.
Roll or fold the jeans to squeeze the water outdon’t twist or wring them.
Let jeans air dry completely before wearing or storing them.
Use a cloth dipped in soapy water to remove stains and let them air dry before wearing them again.
Also, rotate your jeans.
Owning a few pairs of jeans allows you to alternate wears and extend the time between washes.
After a thorough spray, throw them in the dryer for ten minutes to help them shrink up again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Freezing your jeans doesn’t clean the denim.
Eddmenson says you may also want dry clean white or colored jeans to help prevent fading and discoloration.
Some jeans may need to be hand washedperhaps if they have a lot of embellishments or delicate decorations.
But most jeans can be machine washed on a delicate cycle.
Yes, but it might be best to do so sparingly.
Repeated cycles of high heat can cause jeans to shrink, fade, and lose their shape over time.
It’s best to always wash jeans with cold water.
Using hot water can cause denim fabrics to shrink and fade.
