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Bleaching is an effective method to lighten dark-colored jeans. Additionally, bleached jeans tend to become softer. Even if you purchase pre-bleached jeans from a store, you can still carry out the bleaching process at home. By carefully managing the procedure and handling it with precision, you can achieve the desired shade and avoid creating burn marks.
Steps
Preparation Before Bleaching
Spread newspapers to avoid staining the floor. Before starting the bleaching process, lay down newspapers in the area where you plan to bleach the jeans. Most surfaces, especially carpets, are prone to staining from bleach. Don’t forget to place newspapers around the washing machine, as you’ll need to wash the jeans immediately after bleaching.
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting stained. Choose old outfits that you won’t worry about if they accidentally get bleach on them, such as sweatpants and a t-shirt. You can also wear an apron if you prefer.
- Wear thick rubber gloves to prevent skin irritation from the bleach solution. Additionally, put on safety goggles to protect your eyes from any splashes.
Choose a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling bleach fumes. While breathing in bleach fumes usually isn’t harmful, it can cause discomfort for some people. If you feel lightheaded, leave the area immediately and seek medical help. Keep the product label nearby (if possible) so medical professionals can access the necessary information.
- Avoid mixing bleach with other chemicals. Combining bleach with certain substances can produce toxic fumes. Never mix bleach with ammonia or ammonia-based cleaning products.
Mix one part water with one part bleach in a bucket or bathtub. You can prepare the bleach solution in a bucket, but using a bathtub makes it easier to turn on a fan and disperse the bleach fumes. Avoid using concentrated bleach solutions. While they may work faster, they can damage the fabric and potentially cause burn marks.
Conduct a test first. If you’ve never bleached jeans before, prepare an old pair of jeans or denim fabric. Test the bleach solution on the old jeans before applying it to your favorite pair. This way, you’ll know how light the jeans will become and whether the bleach solution is too strong.
- Different denim colors yield different results. Choose an old pair of jeans with a similar color to your favorite pair for an accurate preview.
Use a bleach pen instead of liquid bleach. If working with liquid bleach makes you uncomfortable, consider using a bleach pen (available at many stores). While bleach pens don’t create the same natural effect as liquid bleach, they are easier to use and require less cleanup. You can also use a bleach pen to draw intricate patterns or designs on your jeans.
Bleaching Jeans
Wet the jeans. Bleach works more effectively on damp denim. Therefore, make sure to soak the jeans in cold water before starting the process. The jeans don’t need to be dripping wet, so remember to wring out the excess water.
Use a sponge, brush, or spray bottle to apply the bleach. If you want to create patterns on your jeans, avoid simply dipping them into the bleach solution. Instead, try one of the following methods:
- For an even bleach effect on larger areas, use a sponge to dab the bleach onto the fabric.
- To create a splatter effect, use a brush or an old toothbrush. Dip the brush into the bleach, then flick the bristles with your thumb to create a splattered pattern.
- For quick application, pour the bleach solution into a cheap spray bottle and spray it onto the desired areas.
Work on one side at a time. Start with either the front or back of the jeans, then flip them over to treat the other side. If you want to avoid bleaching a specific side, stuff newspaper inside the jeans before applying the bleach. The newspaper will prevent the bleach from seeping through to the other side.
Soak the jeans in the bleach solution for an even effect. If you want to bleach the entire pair of jeans, soak them in the bleach solution for about 20-30 minutes. Stir the jeans and the solution every few minutes to ensure even exposure. Check the color change each time you stir, and remove the jeans once you’re satisfied with the result.
- Wring out the jeans over the bucket or tub to avoid staining the floor.
- For a tie-dye effect, wrap rubber bands around the jeans before soaking them in the bleach. This will create a patterned, floral design.
Finishing Up
Rinse off the bleach after 5 minutes. After treating or soaking the jeans in bleach, let them sit on newspaper for about 5 minutes. Next, rinse the jeans thoroughly with cold water in a sink or bathtub.
- While the jeans are still wet, you won’t see the full bleaching effect. Assess the color once the jeans have dried.
Wash the jeans in the washing machine without detergent. Take the jeans wrapped in newspaper to the washing machine to avoid staining the floor. Wash the jeans in the machine without using detergent or fabric softener to prevent them from turning yellow. This step ensures all bleach is rinsed out, and you can later wash the jeans with other clothes.
- Only wash the jeans alone to avoid accidentally bleaching other garments.
Air-dry the jeans. Avoid putting the jeans in the dryer after the first wash, as this may cause them to turn yellow. Instead, hang them to dry to prevent exposure to high heat. You can wear the jeans immediately after washing and drying.
Check the color once the jeans are dry. Now that the jeans are dry, you can see the final color. If the jeans aren’t light enough, simply repeat the process with the bleach solution. Continue until the jeans reach your desired shade.
Tips
- Use bleach sparingly. Stop the bleaching process once you’re satisfied with the results. Remember, you can always bleach more, but you can’t reverse the process once the jeans are lightened.
- Work carefully to avoid staining your clothes or the floor.
Warnings
- Never mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar, as this can produce toxic fumes.
- If you feel lightheaded, leave the bleach area immediately.
Things You'll Need
- Jeans
- Bleach (liquid or pen)
- Rubber bands (optional)
- Bucket, tub, or bathtub
- Water
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
- Tools for applying bleach: sponge, brush, toothbrush, or spray bottle
