How to Wash Denim: Expert Tips to Keep Your Jeans Looking Good as New
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We all love our favorite pair of jeans—whether they’re the perfect shade of blue or that go-to black pair, they just seem to fit perfectly and go with everything. But if you want your jeans to keep looking just as good as the day you bought them, proper care is key.
Denim may be tough, but it’s not indestructible, and with a little extra TLC, you can prevent fading, shrinking, and stretching. The key is to be gentle—treat your jeans with care, and they’ll keep their shape and color for years.
James Joun, co-founder and chief operating officer of Rinse, an on-demand laundry and dry cleaning pickup and delivery service, advises, "The primary way to extend the life of your jeans is to avoid washing them too often. As long as your jeans aren’t stained, you can wear them multiple times before they need to be cleaned. Generally, you should wash your denim after five wears."
So, what does that five-wear care routine look like? Just follow these expert tips, and you’ll be wearing those baby blues (or blacks) for years to come!
Top tips for washing and drying denim:
Determine your denim type: Before you get started, check if your jeans are pre-washed or raw denim. Most jeans are pre-washed, but it's always good to verify with the care label. "Pre-washed denim has been treated to help it maintain its shape even after multiple washes. With pre-washed jeans, you’ll encounter fewer problems, but it’s still wise to wash them sparingly, " says Joun. "Raw denim is darker and can take months or even years to break in. Since it hasn’t been exposed to water before, washing raw denim can cause it to shrink. To kill bacteria, you can place your raw denim in the freezer. Fold them and put them in a large ziplock bag, seal it, and store it in the freezer overnight."
Wash less, wear more: You don’t need to wash your jeans after every wear. Over-washing can break down fibers and fade their color. Aim for every 5 to 10 wears, and in between, spot clean or air them out to keep them fresh.
Turn them inside out: Always turn your jeans inside out before washing. "The mechanical action of the washing cycle can fade the denim," Joun notes. Turning your jeans inside out will protect the outer fabric from fading and wear while also keeping any special details safe from damage.
Use cold water: Stick to cold water when washing jeans. Hot water can shrink the fabric and fade colors. Cold water helps maintain both shape and color. A mild detergent is your best bet. For white denim, Joun suggests using warm water and avoiding bleach, which can cause yellowing over time.
Skip the heavy spin cycle: Choose a gentle or delicate cycle to avoid harsh wear on denim. This helps preserve the fabric’s texture and fit, especially for stretch jeans.
Air dry for best results: "Air drying prevents shrinking and fading," Joun says. You can use the air dry cycle on most dryers or hang your jeans. If hanging, clip by the cuffs or belt loops to minimize stretching. Alternatively, lay flat to dry to avoid stretching.
How often should you wash your jeans?
"Less is more! Jeans should not be washed frequently as the mechanical action of the washing cycle can cause fading," Joun says. "Instead, we recommend cleaning your denim when it gets dirty, when it's been two months since the last wash, or after approximately 4-6 wears."
Between washes, a simple spot clean with a damp cloth can do wonders for small stains. Need to refresh them? Give them a quick steam or toss them in the dryer for 10 minutes with a dryer sheet on low heat.
How to keep your jeans clean longer:
Want to avoid washing your jeans so often? Here are a few more tips to keep them looking fresh:
Hang them up after each wear to air them out. This helps keep odors at bay.
Use a fabric spray to refresh them between wears.
Spot clean any stains instead of throwing them in the washer for one little spill. "If you find that you’ve spilled something on your favorite pair, rub a small amount of water and liquid detergent onto the stain," Joun says. "Leave it for a few minutes, then wash it out and let your jeans air dry."
Rotate your jeans! If you’re wearing the same pair every day, they’re bound to wear out faster. Having a few favorites in your wardrobe can help them all last longer.
How to remove common stains from your jeans:
Here's the best way to tackle tough stains on denim, according to Joun:
Mud and grass: Wait until the stain dries, then wipe away any excess dirt. Mix some water and soap, and use a toothbrush to scrub the cleaning solution into the stain.
Grease and oil: Blot with a paper towel to soak up any excess oil. Wipe the stain with a cloth dipped in soapy water. If this method doesn't work, we recommend sending the garment to a professional dry cleaner. They have access to additional solvents that can eliminate oil-based stains.
Red wine: If you have access to a tannin remover, apply and then blot with a clean cloth. If this method doesn't work, we recommend sending the garment to a professional dry cleaner as they have access to an assortment of tannin removers and understand how to lift these stains from denim.
With these tips in mind, your jeans will stay looking sharp and stylish, no matter how often you wear them. Ready to rock those baby blues for years to come? You got this!
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