The Ultimate Guide to Washing Jeans: Keep Your Denim Fresh All Summer

Summertime is here, the bars are open, and it’s finally time to step out in something other than sweatpants. A new wardrobe is a must, and investing in a good pair of jeans is way more attractive than thrift store denim. But buying a nice pair of jeans is just the first step—keeping them looking new and fitting right after 30 washes? That’s the real challenge. Luckily, this comprehensive guide will teach you how to wash your jeans the correct way.

How to Wash Jeans Without Shrinking

Finding the perfect pair of jeans takes time. You’ve got to get the color, feel, and fit just right. But shrinking those jeans? That’s a nightmare. The key to preventing shrinkage is all about temperature.

While denim may seem like a heavy-duty fabric, it doesn’t hold up well to hot temperatures. To avoid shrinkage, wash your jeans in cold water. However, if your jeans tend to get baggy after wear, a bit of heat during washing might actually help keep them in shape.

How to Wash Jeans Without Fading

Just like with shrinkage, heat is the main culprit behind faded jeans. Remember, your jeans are dyed, so if you’ve got the perfect shade of dark blue, keep the heat away!

To prevent fading, use a gentle detergent or one specifically designed for dark colors, like Studio by Tide Darks & Colors Liquid Laundry Detergent. And don’t forget to turn your jeans inside out before washing. This not only helps with fading but also protects your jeans from rips and snags.

How Often to Wash Jeans

How often should you wash your jeans? It depends. If you’re working a dirty job or have sweated in your jeans, wash them right away. But washing too often can lead to fading and fabric wear.

Most experts recommend washing jeans every three wears, but honestly, the best method is the sniff test. If they smell fine, they’re good to go. Some experts even suggest using Febreze to keep them fresh between washes.

How to Wash Black Jeans (or Dark Colored Jeans)

Washing black or dark-colored jeans correctly is crucial to avoid fading and ruining other clothes in the wash.

Always start by checking the label—different dyes and fabrics can fade at different rates. Use a gentle or dark color-specific detergent, and always wash in cold water. Be sure to wash black jeans with other dark colors to avoid dye transfer.

How to Wash White Jeans

White jeans are a magnet for stains, so proper care is key. Start by spot-treating stains and letting them sit for 24 hours.

Any detergent works for white jeans, but if you’re serious about keeping them bright, use bleach. Warm or hot water can help with stain removal but may cause slight shrinkage.

General Tips for Washing Jeans

• Use the right detergent: For dark jeans, try Studio by Tide Darks & Colors Liquid Laundry Detergent. For gentle care, use something like Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent, Free & Clear Unscented.
• Wash inside out: This prevents tearing, snagging, and excessive fading.
• Wash only when necessary: Only wash jeans when they’re stretched out, grimy, or smelly. Spot-treat between washes as needed.
• Use the delicate cycle: Set your machine to delicate or gentle and use cold water.
• Avoid high heat drying: If you want your jeans tighter, use a warm setting. Otherwise, opt for no heat or hang dry.
• Sort by color: Wash light jeans with light colors, dark jeans with dark colors, and white jeans with whites.
• Check the label: Always refer to the care label inside your jeans for the best washing instructions.

Follow these tips, and your jeans will stay looking fresh all summer long!