Washing Jeans – Complete Guide

How to wash jeans – step by step

 

 

Jeans are durable, but to keep their color, shape, and texture looking good for longer, you need to wash them properly. Here are some well-proven tips and recommendations, but before we begin, there is every reason to take good care of a pair of jeans. Wash and care for them properly and they will last a long time; a good rule is to generally use things for as long as possible. Another tip is not to buy new jeans, but second-hand jeans instead. Here are some facts about how much you can save the environment and climate this way (it is also cheaper). 

The following data applies to a pair of jeans from a well-known brand.

18x lower emissions if you were to buy this item instead of a new product.
6.89 kg of CO₂ saved (the amount of CO₂ needed to cook 3 kg of rice)
6,200 liters of water saved (the amount of water consumed during 78 baths)

A pair of jeans may seem simple, but manufacturing them is resource-intensive. The fabric is made from cotton, which is often grown in dry areas and requires large amounts of irrigation. A lot of water is also used in the later stages, when the cotton is processed into fabric. In total, producing a single pair of jeans can require up to 6,200 liters of water.

 

Washing tips: 

1. Wash infrequently

Jeans do not need to be washed after every wear. Many experts say you can wait 5–10 wears or until they are visibly dirty or smell bad before washing them.

If there is an obvious reason why the jeans need to be washed (an accident), then of course they should be washed. Otherwise, use fabric care spray and a sponge to remove stains. Spray the entire garment to get rid of, for example, smoke odor. Airing them out is an underrated method.
Many people also freeze their jeans between washes. Outdoors in winter, it is easy; otherwise, place them in a plastic bag in the freezer. 

2. Prepare before washing

- Pre-treat difficult stains.

- Empty the pockets.

- Turn the jeans inside out before putting them in the machine – this protects the color and reduces wear.

- Fasten buttons and zippers so they do not rub against other items.

3. Choose the right washing-machine program

- Use a gentle wash cycle and cold water (max. 30°C) to minimize fading and shrinkage.

- Avoid strong detergents and fabric softener – they can negatively affect the elastane and structure of the jeans. All-Purpose Detergent works well.

- Oversized jeans can be washed at a higher temperature if you want to shrink them slightly.

- Wash with a couple of tablespoons of baking soda if you think the jeans are too dark.

4. Wash with similar colors

If you wash jeans together with other garments, choose other dark clothes so that the color does not transfer. New jeans, especially dark jeans, often release a lot of dye during the first wash. It is best to wash them separately or at least with similar colors. Expect some color bleeding at first.

5. Dry smart

- Air-dry the jeans – avoid tumble-drying because heat can shrink and damage the fibers, unless you want a more worn-in look, in which case it works perfectly.

- Hang them on a hanger or drying rack in the shade to avoid fading in the sun.

- Hang them in the sun if you want to lighten them slightly.

- Hang the jeans by the lower part of the legs (waist/opening facing downward) 

- Tight jeans can be stretched slightly when wet and while drying. Try this instead of immediately buying a new pair. There are several methods: fill large plastic bottles with water and place them inside the jeans, or use a spring-loaded trouser hanger for the waistband. A little creativity during drying can completely change the shape and size of a pair of jeans.

6. Storage

To avoid creases and lines, roll up the jeans and place them in the wardrobe. 

Stretch jeans?

Stretch jeans contain elastane, which can be damaged by excessive heat. That is why it is especially important to wash them at a low temperature. Follow the care instructions.

- Always wash stretch jeans in cold water – no higher than 30 degrees. 

- Avoid tumble-drying. 

- Avoid fabric softener – use All-Purpose Detergent.

Paying a little extra attention to how you wash your jeans helps them retain their color and shape for longer, saving both money and wardrobe space over time.

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Questions and answers

1. How often do jeans need to be washed?
Jeans usually do not need to be washed after every wear. To preserve their color and shape, you can wait until they are visibly dirty or smell bad, often after approximately 5–10 wears. Between washes, you can air them out, use fabric care spray, or treat individual stains.

2. How do I wash jeans so they retain their color and shape?
Turn the jeans inside out, fasten the buttons and zippers, and wash them on a gentle cycle at a low temperature, preferably no higher than 30°C. Avoid strong detergents and fabric softener, as they can affect the color, fibers, and any stretch fabric.

3. Can I tumble-dry jeans?
It is best to air-dry jeans because high heat can shrink and wear down the fibers. Hang them in the shade to avoid fading. If you want to stretch a pair of tight jeans, shape them while they are damp and let them dry in the desired shape.

4. How should I care for stretch jeans?
Stretch jeans containing elastane are more sensitive to heat. Always wash them at a low temperature, avoid tumble-drying and fabric softener, and use a gentle detergent to help the jeans retain their elasticity and fit for longer.