How often should you wash your jeans? Experts share their insights

Some clothes are clearly in need of a wash after just one wear (like underwear and workout gear), but others, like denim jeans, are often at the center of washing debates. While many of us adore a good pair of jeans, there's no clear consensus on how often they should be cleaned—or not.

In simple terms, stretching out your denim washes and cleaning them carefully will keep your jeans looking fresh for longer. Lindsey Boyd, cofounder of The Laundress, suggests turning jeans inside out and washing them in cold water with a premium detergent to avoid fading and stiffness.

Is it accurate to say that, much like fine wine, jeans only get better with time? And if that’s the case, how often should you really wash them? We interviewed cleaning experts, laundry professionals, and fashion stylists to gather insights on proper denim care. Keep reading for their professional recommendations.

How Often to Wash Jeans

The frequency with which you wash your jeans can be influenced by several factors, such as how often you wear them (every day or just a few times a month) and the environments they’re exposed to (will they get dirty or carry food smells?).

"Denim is a heavy fabric (unlike your typical T-shirt), so you can get away with wearing it multiple times before washing. We suggest washing your jeans after around 10 wears—or whenever they start to smell off. In between, freshen them up and eliminate odors with a fabric refresher, adding a clean laundry scent," says Gwen Whiting, co-founder of The Laundress.

"If you're looking to maintain the look of your denim, wash them only when they start to develop an odor—and I know this might sound unpleasant," adds Lana Blanc, a personal fashion stylist based in New York City. "The truth is, the microbes that accumulate on your jeans after wearing them (like skin cells and natural oils) are harmless, so frequent washing isn't needed."

Gladys K. Connelly, a home organization blogger and former professional housecleaner, suggests, "You should wash jeans every six weeks." She also advises paying attention to your body and its scent. "If your body chemistry makes your jeans stink after just a couple of days, fold them up and freeze them overnight," she recommends as a quick way to refresh your jeans.

Is It Bad to Wash Your Jeans Too Often?

Nicole Russo, a private stylist and founder of NYC-based Let's Get You, advises that less washing is better for jeans. "Washing denim subjects it to wear and tear, and every wash weakens the fabric," she explains.

Washing your jeans too frequently can also damage the fabric, making them look more worn each time. The fabric type also determines the proper washing method, so always follow the care tag. "How often you wash denim depends on its type," says Venk Modur, a celebrity fashion stylist in Los Angeles. He outlines the different types of denim:

• Classic denim: For classic denim, like stonewashed or acid-washed, Modur suggests washing with cold water and air-drying after about five wears.
• Blended denim: Since these jeans are often blended with Spandex, Lycra, or poly-cotton, Modur recommends washing them "once they begin to lose their shape."
• Raw denim and sanforized denim: "This denim is stretched, fixed, and shrunk at the mill; it should only be dry cleaned," says Modur. "Wait three to four months of wear before the first dry clean."

Tips to Make Your Jeans Last Longer

Here are several ways to extend the life of your outstanding jeans before resorting to washing them:

• Wash as infrequently as possible to maintain their shape, quality, and color: "This is especially important for dry denim, which gains its appeal and character through wear rather than washing," says Rinske Fris, fashion stylist and founder of The Male Report. "Wash jeans only after about 12 wears (inside out). This helps eliminate accumulated bacteria but minimizes fabric damage."
• Remove stains and odors: In between washes, Fris suggests spot-cleaning stains with a warm, damp cloth. To eliminate odors, hang your jeans outside to air them out," she recommends for natural odor removal. Alternatively, a quick spritz of Febreze can also refresh them.
• Avoid washing in hot water: Heat damages denim, so never wash jeans—especially stretchy ones—in hot water or dry them in the dryer. "Although you might think you're tightening them up to restore their fit, you're actually harming the fabric and hastening their wear. This is also why jeans lose their stretch, leading to sagging or the need to constantly pull them up," says Russo.
• Store them properly: First and foremost, "let them breathe," advises Emily Underhill, a clothing guide and personal stylist in New York City. "Instead of folding them tightly or stuffing them into an overstuffed drawer, hang them by their belt loops in your closet. This allows the jeans to air out properly."

The Bottom Line

To keep your jeans looking sharp and fitting well, avoid washing them too often. Do wash them if they’re stained (like if you spill red wine on them) or they start to smell. There's no strict rule for when to wash them, as only you can judge when they’re really dirty.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Should you freeze your jeans to clean them?

  According to Whiting, this is an old wives' tale. While storing your jeans in the freezer won't chill them enough to kill bacteria, it can freshen them up (and feel cooling on a hot day).

• What happens if you don’t wash your jeans?

  Personal preference aside, microbiologists claim that not washing your denim doesn’t pose any health risks. In fact, a study by the University of Alberta found that even after wearing jeans for 15 months without washing them (yes, 15!), the bacteria count remained surprisingly low (mostly just normal skin flora, with no E. coli or harmful bacteria present).