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Image Source: Mehmet Hilmi Barcin/Getty ImagesUnderstanding the best methods for washing and maintaining denim fabric is essential for prolonging the life of your favorite jeans. Chip Bergh, the president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co., shared that he has a pair of jeans that have lasted 10 years without a wash. However, this is not the ideal approach to caring for denim. We consulted with fashion and denim professionals to uncover the most effective way to clean jeans for greater durability.
Essential Tips Before Washing Your Jeans
When purchasing a new pair of jeans that are stiff or unwashed—without any special treatment—it's important to wash them to remove the starch. "Starch and friction cause holes, and holes will shorten the lifespan of your jeans," explains Matt Eddmenson of Imogene + Willie.
If your jeans are already softened, it's fine to delay washing them for a bit. "You want the fabric to have a chance to stretch, relax, and adjust," says Eddmenson. A good sign it's time to wash is if you find yourself repeatedly pulling your jeans up after moving around.
Always refer to the laundry care tag on your jeans for the manufacturer's specific washing instructions.
Recommended Frequency for Washing Jeans
According to Veronica Black from Dailylook, jeans should typically be washed every two to three wears. (Waiting four or five wears between washes is also acceptable.) Even the finest jeans need a wash to remove odors and bacteria, says Black. Just think about all the surfaces you sit on daily—and we haven't even mentioned the germs yet!
However, avoid washing your jeans too frequently, as this will significantly reduce their lifespan and lead to fading. Of course, if your jeans are visibly dirty or have persistent stains, go ahead and wash them. There's no need to stick to your usual washing schedule in that case.
What You'll Need to Wash Your Jeans
Required Equipment / Tools
- Washing machine
- Bathtub or a large sink (optional)
- Soft brush or sponge (optional)
Necessary Materials
- Laundry detergent free of harsh chemicals
- White vinegar (optional)
- Baking soda (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Properly Wash Jeans in a Washing Machine
How to Treat Stains
To treat a stain, dilute laundry detergent with water and apply the mixture to the affected area. You can also combine laundry detergent with white vinegar. Gently rub the solution in with your fingers or use a sponge or soft brush. This method works well for stains like blood, grass, milk, ink, and makeup stains on your jeans.
If the stain persists, try scrubbing it with a baking soda and water paste. Use an old toothbrush or a soft scrub brush to clean the spot. Let the baking soda sit for a few minutes if the stain is tough. Baking soda is most effective for stains like grass, red wine, and grease stains.
Turn Your Jeans Inside Out
Before placing your jeans in the washing machine, remember to turn them inside out. This protects the fibers of the denim. Be sure to zip up any zippers to keep the fabric safe during the wash.
Wash Jeans Using a Delicate Cycle
Set your washing machine to the delicate cycle and wash your jeans in cold water. For best results, wash jeans separately or with other similarly dark-colored garments. This is crucial to prevent shrinkage or color bleeding.
Steer clear of laundry detergents containing harsh chemicals and skip fabric softeners, which can introduce unnecessary chemicals and wear down your jeans over time. "I personally prefer The Laundress or Mrs. Meyer's liquid detergent, as both have shown to be gentler on my clothes," says Black.
Air Dry Your Jeans
According to Black, it's best to air dry jeans in a space with good airflow. This technique extends the lifespan of denim, helps maintain its shape, and prevents shrinkage. Make sure to let them dry completely before wearing.
If you'd like to shrink your jeans slightly, wait until they're almost dry before tossing them in the dryer for a brief period to complete the drying process.
How to Wash Jeans by Hand
If you'd rather wash a special pair of jeans by hand, follow these instructions.
Fill the Bathtub
Fill a clean bathtub, large sink, or any suitable container with enough water to completely submerge the jeans. Add about half a capful of laundry detergent and mix it in to combine.
Immerse Your Jeans
Place the jeans into the soapy water and gently swish them around. Use your hands to agitate the fabric in the soapy water for one to two minutes.
Soak the Jeans
Let the jeans soak in the soapy water for about 15 to 30 minutes. This allows the detergent to penetrate the fabric and effectively clean the denim.
Drain and Refill the Tub
After removing the jeans, drain the dirty water from the tub. Refill it with fresh, clean water.
Rinse the Jeans
Return the jeans to the clean water and let them soak for another 5 to 10 minutes. After that, move the jeans around to remove any remaining dirt or detergent.
Squeeze and Dry the Jeans
Take the jeans out of the water and gently squeeze out any excess liquid. You can roll or fold them to release the water, but avoid twisting or wringing. Let the jeans fully air dry before wearing or putting them away.
How to Eliminate and Prevent Odors in Jeans
To eliminate odors and prevent them between washes, consider these methods for your jeans or denim:
- Freshen up your jeans. Hang your jeans near an open window or outdoors to let the natural air refresh the fabric.
- DIY fabric refresher. Combine white vinegar with water and a few drops of essential oil, then spray it onto the jeans to leave a fresh scent.
- Insert a dryer sheet. When storing jeans in a drawer, place a dryer sheet in a corner. Its scent will infuse the jeans, leaving them smelling freshly cleaned. Alternatively, spray a few cotton balls with essential oil or perfume for a similar effect.
- Use baking soda. Baking soda absorbs odors, so you can place a small container of it in your closet or dresser. This will trap unpleasant smells and keep your jeans smelling fresh.
How to Keep Your Jeans Clean for Longer
To extend the life of your jeans between washes, try spot-cleaning any stains. Use a cloth dipped in soapy water and let the jeans air dry before wearing again. Rotating through multiple pairs of jeans can also help space out the washes.
If your jeans start to sag after wearing them just once or twice but don't need a full wash, Black recommends spraying them with a mixture of water and ten drops of lavender essential oil. After spraying, toss them in the dryer for ten minutes to help them shrink back to their original fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should you freeze your jeans?
Freezing your jeans won't clean them. As Black explains, "This has long been a myth that the freezer can magically 'clean' your jeans."
Originally, this method was used for raw denim, but most jeans today contain materials that add stretch, so it's best to keep your freezer reserved for ice cream.
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Can jeans be dry cleaned?
Depending on the fabric blend and the cost of the jeans, you may want to consider dry cleaning certain high-end pairs, especially if they're more delicate than standard jeans.
For example, Black mentions, "I have a pair of denim-linen high-waisted, wide-legged jeans, and my dry cleaner is the only one who can perfectly get the front crease." Eddmenson adds that dry cleaning white or colored jeans can help prevent fading or discoloration.
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Is hand-washing jeans better?
While some people prefer hand-washing their jeans to avoid damaging the fabric in a washing machine, it isn't always necessary. Certain jeans with embellishments or delicate decorations may require hand-washing, but most jeans can safely be machine washed on a gentle cycle.
