Jeans are a popular piece of clothing and an important part of most people’s wardrobes. They’re versatile and comfortable, and you can dress them up with a jacket and a shirt or worn casually with a T-shirt. This article focuses on how to wash jeans and keep them looking good.
1) How often should I wash jeans?
The best way to know if your jeans need cleaning or not is by feeling them. If there are any stains on your pants that don’t seem like they’ll come out easily, then it’s time for some serious laundering action! The good news is that this process can usually be done in one trip through the machine—but before we get into that, let’s talk about when you actually want to wash jeans.
Jeans wear differently depending on their fabric content and what kind of style they have. For example, cotton-blend jeans will last longer than straight-leg jeans because they’re more forgiving in terms of wearing and fading over time. But even though they may look better after several washes, it doesn’t mean you should throw away your favorite pairs just yet.
You can still treat those cotton as gently as possible without compromising their quality. Just make sure to use the right washing approach to avoid ruining your jeans during every wash cycle. And remember no matter which type of jeans you choose, always start off by following the manufacturer’s instructions if you intend to wash jeans.
2) What detergent do I use to wash jeans?
If you’ve ever washed your clothing yourself, you probably already know that different fabrics require different types of mild detergent. That said, many people find using liquid detergents easier and faster than powder ones. When choosing between powders and liquids, here are three things to consider:
Powdered detergents – These tend to leave behind less lint, making them ideal for delicate garments such as silk blouses, cashmere sweaters, and fine cotton dresses. However, some people prefer the convenience of liquid detergents because they work quickly and effectively on stains while leaving fewer clumps of residue.
Laundry soap – Laundry soap has become increasingly popular among consumers who feel that regular bar soap does nothing for their clothes. It cleanses items thoroughly and leaves them smelling clean and fresh. Plus, since laundry soap isn’t harsh enough to damage certain materials, it’s perfect for gentle treatment of woolens, leathers, suede, and other natural fibers. On top of all that, it tends to dry much quicker than powder detergents, meaning you won’t spend hours waiting around for your whites to finish drying.
Detergent powder – This method works wonders with denim, especially dark colors. Since its granular form allows it to penetrate deep inside each fiber, it helps remove stubborn dirt and grime without damaging the material. In addition, it minimizes shrinkage and keeps color true throughout multiple cycles. Unfortunately, it takes twice as long to complete a full load compared to liquid detergents. Also, it requires extra attention during handwashing. To prevent buildup, rinse your laundry at least once per week.
3. Don’t Fear Hand-Washing!
Nowadays, there are plenty of options available for doing laundry at home, including machines that spin, agitate, or tumble. But if you don’t like any of these methods, there’s another option: hand-washed, particularly for jeans. While not quite as convenient as a fully automated system, it offers one big advantage — it saves money. With a little bit of effort, you can save hundreds of dollars every year simply by doing everything yourself. Here’s why you need to add hand-wash to your list of ways to take care of your clothes.
4. Turn your jeans inside out before washing
Whether new or old, it is recommended to turn your jeans inside out before placing them in a washing machine. This can help limit the abrasion that leads to fading and wear that may happen along with the pockets, hems, and waistband edges. Also, it is important to fasten buttons and zippers as this will help keep the jeans in perfect shape and prevents snagging other garments in the load (within the washing machine).
5. Do not machine dry your raw denim jeans
This may seem counterintuitive, but when it comes to keeping your favorite pair of jeans pristine, machine-dry is never the way to go. Instead, hang up your jeans immediately after removing them from the dryer. If you’re concerned about wrinkles forming while hanging, try placing them over hangers covered in plastic wrap instead. You’ll still get the benefits of air circulation, plus you won’t have to worry about accidentally ironing your jeans or raw denim.
6. Use cold water only
While this seems obvious, too often we forget to follow our instincts. Even though cold water doesn’t necessarily mean “cold”, it should definitely be colder than room temperature. Soak your jeans in cool water until they reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place them in the washer and let the machine run according to the manufacturer’s directions. Once done, hang them up again and repeat the process. The best part? No more stinky wet pockets! Never use hot water or warm water when washing jeans.
