How to Clean and Maintain Denim Jeans

Jeans have been a wardrobe staple for decades because of their durability and versatility. While jeans often get better with age, keeping denim jeans looking great and staying comfortable requires proper care and maintenance. Whether it’s a well-used pair of jeans from your local thrift store or a new pair of raw denim, learning how to look after your jeans will ensure years of enjoyment. In this article, we’ll answer some of the most common questions we see about the best techniques for washing, drying, and caring for your jeans.

Understanding the Basics of Denim Jeans

Denim jeans are made from a sturdy cotton twill fabric that’s woven in a way to make it both durable and breathable. The diagonal weave strengthens denim, which is why jeans last longer than many other types of clothes.

Most jeans are either made of raw denim (untreated/unwashed and often quite hard), selvedge denim (tighter weave and more finished edges, typically more expensive and durable), stretch denim (with additional fabrics to increase flexibility), or pre-washed denim. Raw denim is untreated and fades naturally with age, while stretch denim tends to be less durable but sometimes more versatile.

Jeans naturally soften and fade with age, enhancing their style and comfort. Denim tends to be washed less than other fabrics due to its durable structure (less washing helps preserve this) and ability to maintain its shape.

Preparing to Wash Denim Jeans

As with all clothing, begin your cleaning and maintenance routine by checking the care label inside the jeans. This is especially important for jeans with special treatments, including coatings and embellishments, as they may require delicate care.

Next it’s important to empty the pockets and close both zippers and buttons. This helps to ensure that jeans don’t snag other garments and it maintains the shape of the jeans. If there are any stains on the jeans, spot clean with a mild detergent and damp cloth. Gentle dabbing is critical, as vigorously rubbing denim can damage the fibers.

Turn the jeans inside out before washing. This helps to protect the outer surface and preserve the color. If there are beads, sequins, patches, or other embellishments, consider placing the jeans in a garment bag for additional protection during washing.

BeSt Practices for Washing Jeans

Here are some quick tips to help your jeans turn out great after every wash:

• Use cold water. This is essential for preventing shrinkage and reducing color fade.
• Use a mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals; even regular detergents can strip color and texture.
• Avoid bleach. It can severely damage denim by weakening the fibers and causing uneven fading.
• Avoid fabric softener. It can reduce the durability and breathability of denim; consider a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle if you really need to soften the fabric naturally.
• Wash jeans sparingly. Jeans don’t need to be washed after every wear; sometimes every 5-10 uses is enough.

How to Dry Denim Jeans

With washing behind us, it’s important to dry jeans property too in order to retain their style, shape, color, and durability.

Air drying is best, and the safest way to preserve denim’s durability. Lay jeans flat on a towel or hang them by the waistband, but make sure they are not left in direct sunlight (as it can cause the fabric to fade). If the jeans are made of stretch denim, avoid hangers entirely; keep them flat to retain the correct shape.

If you do use a clothes dryer, avoid high heat. Choose a low heat or air dry setting, and consider towel-drying (by rolling jeans up in a dry towel and pressing gently) before putting them in a dryer.

Other Care Tips for Denim Jeans

To keep your jeans in the best shape possible for years into the future, follow these tips:

• Perform spot cleaning on small stains and spills rather than washing the entire pair of jeans in a machine for a minor issue.
• If ironing is necessary, use a low heat setting and iron the jeans inside out.
• Fold jeans rather than hanging them to prevent unnecessary wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you wash jeans?
Jeans should typically be washed every 5 to 10 wears, depending on how active you’ve been and what they’ve been exposed to. The less you wash them, the longer they’ll last; frequent washing can cause shrinkage, extra wear, and fading. For raw denim, sometimes it’s best to wait even longer, potentially several months, to let them form natural creases and fade patterns.

Does denim shrink after every wash?
No, denim stabilizes after the first few washes and will stop shrinking.

Does freezing jeans kill bacteria?
No, freezing jeans as a way to clean them and kill bacteria does not work.

Conclusion

Taking care of your denim jeans doesn’t have to be hard, but it does require a bit of preparation and know-how. By following the tips in this article, from preparing for cleaning to drying and storage, you can preserve the fit, durability, and color of your denim for years. By treating your jeans right, you’ll be rewarded with a stylish and sustainable wardrobe for years.