HOW TO WASH AND DRY YOUR DENIMS
September 2024
Just like a best friend, your denims look after you—but are you looking after them? While denim is tough and built to last for many years, you can help keep them in great shape. Here are some simple tips to make your jeans look their best.
Generally, you should wash your denims as little as possible. Washing them too often can damage what makes them special, like the natural creases and fading that happen over time. A good guideline is to wash them after wearing them about 10 times, unless they're clearly dirty or smelly. Between washes, clean any spots using gentle soap with a damp cloth or old toothbrush.
HOW TO WASH DENIMS: STEP BY STEP
If you just bought new denims, especially in darker washes, wash them completely alone for the first few cycles. This prevents any excess dye from staining your other clothes.
If you're into raw denim, hand washing works best since this fabric is untreated and needs extra gentle care. Fill a tub or large sink with cold water and a little mild soap, then let your denims soak for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and avoid twisting or wringing them out. Instead, gently roll them from bottom to top to squeeze out water, then hang them in the shade to dry.
If you don't have new or raw denim, proceed with regular machine washing using the steps below. For black denims specifically, follow all the previous guidelines but also keep them away from direct sunlight when drying to prevent extra fading. Always choose a shaded spot if you're air-drying them.
1. FLIP THEM INSIDE OUT
When you're ready to wash your denims, start by turning them inside out. This protects the color from fading and keeps harsh detergents from directly hitting the fabric. It's particularly crucial for dark and black denim that tends to lose color easily.
2. CLOSE ALL ZIPPERS AND BUTTONS
Zip up the zipper and button all buttons before washing. This helps your denims maintain their proper shape and prevents them from catching on other garments during the wash cycle.
3. WASH WITH SIMILAR COLORS
Always wash your denims with similar-colored items to avoid dye bleeding. Dark denim goes with other dark clothing, while lighter washes should be grouped with other light-colored pieces.
4. AVOID OVERCROWDING
Don't pack your washing machine too full. Your jeans need space to move around freely during the wash. Overcrowding creates friction between fabrics and can lead to unnecessary wear and tear.
5. CHOOSE GENTLE DETERGENT
This step matters a lot for machine washing, especially with colored and dark denims. Black denim particularly loses its rich color when washed with standard detergents. Pick a mild detergent designed for dark fabrics to help maintain the color.
6. SKIP THE FABRIC SOFTENER
While fabric softener seems like a good idea, it leaves buildup on denim that can change how it looks and feels. Try a vinegar rinse instead - it naturally softens the fabric and removes any leftover soap.
7. STICK TO COLD WATER
Use the delicate or gentle wash setting to minimize stress on the fabric and reduce damage over time.
8. SELECT A GENTLE CYCLE
Don't pack your washing machine too full. Your denims need space to move around freely during the wash. Overcrowding creates friction between fabrics and can lead to unnecessary wear and tear.
HOW TO DRY DENIMS
After washing comes the drying process, which is equally important. Remember these two key words: "AIR DRY". Machine dryers can damage and shrink denims, while air drying maintains the fit, color, and fabric quality.
Hang your denims inside out to shield the outer surface from dust and sun damage, picking the shadiest spot available. A drying rack works well too since it allows air to flow around the fabric and speeds up drying time. Avoid humid spaces when drying since moisture can get trapped and create unpleasant odors.
MORE TIPS
Taking good care of your denims keeps them looking great while extending their lifespan. Proper maintenance means less waste and more time enjoying your favorite pairs.
Washing less often preserves quality and saves water. Using eco-friendly, chemical-free detergents is better for both the environment and your fabric. Air drying cuts down on energy use - skipping the dryer saves electricity and reduces your environmental impact. Consider giving old denims new life through recycling or creative projects. Patching holes, turning jeans into shorts, or using denim scraps for crafts lets you express your style while being resourceful.
Jeans You May Like
Discover our latest denim collection on sale
