You have to follow some rules and also take some things into consideration in order to take care of your pair of jeans.
First, note that all jeans are not washed in the same way. Your old and trusty pair of Levi jeans will not require the same care as your $250 bought pair of jeans. If you’d like to learn more about the different types of jeans, you can check out our best jeans buying guide here.
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When and why should you Wash Your Jeans?
Occasionally, you might have heard that jeans should not be washed at all. However, it’s okay if you feel that laundering your pair of jeans will break down their denim and therefore make their color fade.
However, it’s impossible to ignore the buildup of body oils, dead skin, dirt, and other environmental dirt that can damage your pants. It’s also good to know that it’s not only washing that makes the color of your jeans fade away.
The same effects will be achieved on continuous wearing. Cleaning your jeans ensures that they last longer and also cause minimum damage.
The frequency of washing your jeans will depend on the level that you have worn them and also the activities you carried out when you wore them.
If the jeans are visibly dirty, stretched out or smelly, it means that they are ready for a scrub. A good thumb rule is; wash your denim after you wear them for a number of times ranging between 5 and 10.
Best Way of Washing your Jeans
Don’t ruin your jeans as you wash them. Some practices are beneficial to your jeans.
Turn your denim inside out before you put it in the washing machine. This helps in preserving the color of your pants and also cleans the inside part which is the dirtiest.
Ensure that you use detergent specified to deal with the dark clothes for your darker jeans. This lowers the chances of fading.
Hand washes your jeans if at all you are worried about the washer’s impact on your fabric. This will reduce wear and tear changes. It’s also an overall more gentle experience.
The best place where you can wash your jeans is the bathtub. Utility sink if available is also a good option.
Here is the handwashing procedure for your jeans.
- Use a small quantity of detergent with cold to lukewarm water.
- Fully submerge your denim in the water.
- Soak them for around 15 minutes to half an hour.
- Then rinse your jeans repeatedly in a draining tub or sink until it produces clear water.
- After complete rinsing, roll up your jeans and firmly press on them.
- Do not wring them out since this can twist and also break down the fibers.
- Then lay your jeans flat or hang them in the open air for drying.
Below are precautions to take:
Using too much detergent on your jeans may result to buildup of particles thus odd smells. So, don’t be fooled that more softener or detergent will make your fabric softer or cleaner.
If you happen to get worried that you have used too much detergent/softener or both, a simple thing can fix this. Wash your jeans without detergent. Instead, use a cup half full of white vinegar. This will eliminate lingering odors. It also act like a natural fabric softener.
Be careful in the future on the cleaning products amount you use as you clean your jeans.
Electric Dryers
A decision of using a washing machine to clean your pair of jeans is absolutely fine. However, always avoid tossing the pair in the dryer. It doesn’t bother much if you own a sturdy housework pair.
High heat will not be good for your very dark and more expensive pair.
If you use a dryer for your daily jeans, medium heat setting is better. This setting is good at shrinking the denim. It also counteracts any stretching from your previous wear.
Low heat setting or even air drying is fine if you want to save your jeans from shrinking and fading. However, denim don’t dry very fast and this makes air drying not the best option for everyone.
Dry cleaning your denim could also be your choice if you hate washing and still have extra money.
Keep your Jeans Fresh Between their Wearing
You can do certain things for your jeans to remain fresh.
First, you can buy commercial fabric refresher.
You can also create a DIY version if you wish to save some amount of money.
Method 1 –Fabric Refresher make
Dilute one baking soda tablespoon into two water cups. Then add few drops of your essential oils into the mixture.
Method 2 –Fabric Deodorizer make
Put white vinegar or decanted vodka in a spray bottle. Use it to deodorize the fabric using a light mist.
Other Tips
If you intend to re-wear your pair of jeans, hang it on the hanger of your sturdy pants. Since the air circulation in the environment is good, keep them next to a fan or your window and make sure tat the window is open. They will air out and feel fresh in the next wearing.
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