Jeans are very versatile and durable. They can match many outfits and last for a long time. However, they also need proper care to keep their shape, colour and freshness. Washing jeans too often has some drawbacks. It can make them fade, shrink and lose their elasticity. Therefore, how often should you wash your jeans? Here are some tips from various experts and sources.
Factors to Consider
- The type of denim: Different types of denim have different washing needs. For example, raw denim (which is unwashed and untreated) should be washed as infrequently as possible to preserve its natural indigo colour and develop a unique fade pattern. On the other hand, stretch denim (which contains elastane or spandex) should be washed more often to prevent sagging and restore its shape.
- The frequency of wear: The more you wear your jeans, the more dirt, sweat and oils they accumulate. This can affect their appearance, smell and hygiene. As a general rule, you should wash your jeans after every 3 to 10 years, depending on how dirty they get and how comfortable you feel in them. If you wear your jeans every day, you may want to wash them once a week or once every two weeks.
- The level of activity: The more active you are in your jeans, the more likely they are to get stained, sweaty or smelly. Wash your jeans right away if you spill something on them or sweat a lot in them. This will help you avoid stains and odours from setting in. Casual activities do not make your jeans very dirty. Therefore, you can wash them less often if you only wear them for such activities.
- Personal preference: Ultimately, how often you wash your jeans depends on your personal preference and comfort level. Additionally, how jeans should feel and look varies from person to person.
Some like them crisp and fresh, while others like them soft and worn-in. Some people are more sensitive to smells and germs than others. Therefore, you should wash your jeans as often as you feel necessary to keep them clean and comfortable for you.
Tips for Washing Jeans
- Turn them inside out: This helps protect the outer fabric from fading, fraying and pilling. It also helps remove dirt and oils from the inside of the jeans.
- Use cold water: This helps prevent the shrinking, fading and bleeding of colours. It also saves energy and water.
- Use mild detergent: Moreover, this helps preserve the colour and quality of the denim. Bleach or fabric softener can harm the fibres and elasticity of the jeans. You should avoid using them.
- Use a gentle cycle: This helps reduce the wear and tear on the jeans caused by the agitation of the washing machine. Alternatively, you can hand wash your jeans in a sink or a tub with mild soap and water.
- Air dry: This helps prevent the shrinking, fading and wrinkling of the jeans. It also saves energy and prolongs the life of the denim. Avoid using a dryer, which can damage the fibres and elasticity of the jeans. To dry your jeans, you can hang them by the waistband or lay them flat on a towel.
Alternatives to Washing Jeans
- Spot clean: If your jeans have minor stains or spots, you can use a damp cloth or a stain remover to clean them without washing the whole pair.
- Steam: If your jeans have wrinkles or odours, you can use a steamer or an iron (on low heat) to smooth them out and freshen them up without washing them.
- Freeze: If your jeans have bacteria or odours, you can put them in a plastic bag and freeze them overnight to kill the germs and eliminate the smells without washing them.