This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Learn More. How to Wash Jeans (Step by Step)
But First! Don’t Wash Your Jeans Too Frequently
You don’t need to wash your jeans every time you wear them. In fact, if you have a decent rotation of jeans and pants, you can go months without needing to wash a specific pair.
Use a Gentle Detergent
The best way to maintain the color of your jeans is to wash them using a detergent specifically designed for colored fabrics. Personally, I really like woolite dark since it does a great job of cleaning the denim while preserving the color. These detergents might be more expensive than regular detergents. But they are a worthwhile investment considering many men spend hundreds of dollars on their jeans, so it only makes sense to spend a bit more on a detergent that helps them last as long as possible.
Buy Color Safe Detergents
Wash Inside Out
This is a tip I learned even before I got into premium denim. Washing your jeans inside out helps to minimize the amount of color loss which in turn keeps your jeans looking newer longer.
Use Cold Water and a Gentle Cycle
In my opinion, you don’t need to hand wash your jeans in the sink or bathtub. It’s denim after all; you don’t need be overly gentle with it. But when using a washing machine, you want to choose the setting for cold water and gentle cycle. Cold water helps to preserve the color of the denim and it’s also less harsh on the cotton fabric compared to hot water. Using the gentle cycle is helpful because it gets your jeans clean without excessive agitation which can lead to fading as well as the fabric wearing down more quickly.
Never Use the Dryer
The dryer is the worst enemy of your jeans. It can cause the jeans to shrink, lose their overall shape as well as degrade the denim fabric. In fact, if you have jeans with elastane or spandex, using a dryer on the hot setting can ruin the stretch of the denim fabric. So what to do instead? This might be a hassle, but you need to find a clean space to lay down your jeans after the wash while they are still wet. You can use a towel to gently remove excess water but either way, they will need to dry naturally. You also want to avoid putting them to dry in direct sunlight since that can cause permanent discoloration and fading.
Spot Clean
This is really useful for when your jeans overall are pretty clean but maybe you have a stain or two around certain areas. The most common areas for stains are the thighs for when you are drinking juice or coffee and you spill some on this area. You might also find some unsightly stains on the backside of the jeans because you sat in a dirty area. Either way, spot cleaning your jeans is simple and effective. The best part is, you don’t have to completely wash your jeans so you maintain The most important aspect of spot cleaning your jeans is choosing the right detergent. You want to go for a gentle detergent made for colored clothes that will be prevent any color fading.
- Mix a small amount of color safe detergent in a small bowl or container with cold water. You don’t want to use warm or hot water because that could make the stain harder to remove.
- Use a gentle toothbrush to mix the detergent solution and start applying on the stain(s).
- Use a circular motion to really work the detergent solution into the fibres. If the stain is set deep, then apply the detergent solution on both sides of the jeans (inside and out).
- Let the fabric dry and check if the stain has been removed. If it has, then simply rinse that particular area with clean cold water. If there still is a bit of stain left, then repeat these steps.
F.A.Q’s
How to Wash Black Jeans?
Wash black jeans inside out on a gentle cycle with a detergent made for colored clothing. You can also add half a cup of white vinegar to prevent the color from fading.
How to Dry Jeans?
The best way to dry jeans is to let them air dry naturally on a flat surface away from direct sunglight. Using a dryer can cause the fabric to degrade, lose shape and shrink.
How to Wash Raw Denim?
Raw denim is unique because it features unwashed denim fabric. The best way to wash raw denim is to wear the jeans or jacket for at least 6 months and then wash them on a gentle cycle using cold water. You should then let them air dry naturally. Never use a dryer since that will ruin the uniques fades on the denim and cause excessive shrinkage.
How to Wash Jeans Without Fading
The best way to wash jeans without fading is to wash them inside out, on a gentle cycle with cold water and by using a detergent that is specially designed for color fabrics such as Woolite. This help the jeans keep their color and prevent fading.
How to Wash Jeans in Washer
Wash jeans in washer on the following setting; gentle cyle and cold water. This helps to clean the jeans, prevent shrinkage and color fading.
How to Wash New Jeans
How to Wash Dark Jeans for the First Time?
Dark wash jeans are saturated with indigo dye so it is normal to experience some loss of color. The best way to wash dark wash jeans for the first time and minimize the color loss is to wash them inside out with cold water and with a detergent specially made for dark colors. After washing the jeans, let them air dry and don’t use a dryer.
How to Wash Levi’s Jeans?
Levis’ jeans is made from denim that is designed to be washed by hand or in the washer. You can wash these jeans on a gentle cycle in the washing machine with cold water. Avoid using the dryer since that could fade the denim or make the jeans shrink.