To put it simply, there’s a lot of controversy over how often you should wash your jeans. On the one hand, some people swear by leaving their jeans alone and refraining from washing them. On the other hand, some say washing is OK but they prefer to do it as little as possible. Interesting. But what if they’re really, truly dirty? Is it possible that you’ve been doing it wrong all these years by tossing your denim in the washer and dryer a couple of times per week?
To get to the bottom of it, we talked to denim experts to find out the real deal when it comes to washing your jeans, plus the best ways to care for them if they really do need a good cleaning. Scroll through to read tips from Catherine Ryu, former creative director of Citizens of Humanity; Jamie Mazur, cofounder of vintage denim brand Re/Done; and Paige Adams-Geller, creative director and cofounder of Paige.
– Additional reporting by Sarah Wasilak
Related: The 1 Thing This Fashion Editor Does to Every Pair of Jeans After She Buys Them
POPSUGAR Photography / Elise Giordano
When to Wash Your Jeans
We’ll get right to the point – you absolutely can wash your jeans if you want to. Phew. But that doesn’t mean you should be washing them after every wear. “I would suggest reducing the frequency of washing your jeans to keep their color in place,” Ryu said. “Washing your jeans every four to five wears should be enough for most pairs.”
On the other hand, some say washing is OK but they prefer to do it as little as possible. “I try not to wash my jeans,” Mazur said. “Sometimes it becomes necessary, but it is better to not wash them if you can.” In other words, Mazur thinks you should only wash them as needed.
Adams-Geller also has a trick for if you don’t want to give them the full wash but they’re starting to feel stretched out: “Put them in the dryer for a few minutes with a damp cloth to freshen them up.”
POPSUGAR Photography / Matthew Kelly
How to Wash Jeans in the Washing Machine
Which Setting to Use to Wash Jeans
Adams-Geller suggests washing jeans in cold water and hang-drying them. This method preserves their lycra so they don’t lose elasticity.
How to Wash Jeans: Hot or Cold Water?
Skipping the hot cycle will keep the dye in your jeans from bleeding, Mazur said, although it’s still a good idea to wash them with like colors. “True indigo jeans can bleed their color a lot,” he noted, so it’s better not to risk it. Another way to make sure they retain their color? “To prevent further fading, I would suggest washing your jeans inside out,” Ryu said. This also preserves the outer fabric overall, since less friction occurs on the outside of the jeans when you wash them inside out.
POPSUGAR Photography / Elise Giordano / ELISE GIORDANO 2019
How to Wash and Care For Jeans by Hand
It can be tempting to wash a pair of jeans to refresh them when they don’t look neat and smooth, but in this case, it’s better to steam them out rather than putting them through the full wash and dry process, Ryu said. Storage is also key when it comes to preventing a wrinkled appearance. “Most can be folded, but I like to hang my flares or detailed jeans to minimize wrinkles,” she added.
How to Wash Jeans With Vinegar
It happens: you dripped some kind of food, toothpaste, or cocktail on your jeans. Instead of washing the entire pair, denim experts suggest you spot-treat just the stained area with vinegar. “I would avoid spot cleaners that contain chlorine bleach,” Ryu said. In place of a stain pen or wipe, she recommended opting for gentle soap or vinegar, which is a great alternative to harsh detergent.
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How to Wash Jeans Without Fading
“For darker indigo or black denim, it is best to wash your jeans inside out and put a splash of vinegar in the washer to help the dye from crocking too much. It’s a little like dyeing Easter eggs; it helps to lock in the indigo and black dye. You can also try turning your jeans inside out and washing with dark Woolite in cold water on the gentle cycle; this will also help your jeans not to fade,” Adams-Geller said.
POPSUGAR Photography / Diggy Lloyd
How to Wash Jeans For the First Time
You might wonder about how to properly care for jeans with embellishments like shredding studs and patches. Good news: the fabric-care tag will definitely have you covered. “Always follow the care instructions on the garment’s tags,” Ryu said, “as every style and wash is slightly different and requires different care methods.”
POPSUGAR Photography / Elise Giordano