How to wash your jeans to keep them looking new?

How to wash jeans in the washing machine: cycles and types of detergent

Jeans are made from a strong fabric called denim, that is long-lasting providing that we look after it properly. To keep the properties of the fabric and make sure our jeans are kept in good condition, we need to look after denim carefully. How should we wash jeans to avoid them spoiling and fading? We’re going to tell you.

Although it might seem counter-productive, we recommend washing denim as infrequently as possible to keep them clean, otherwise they will lose their shape and wear out sooner. Therefore, when you want to get rid of a stain, it is best to remove it using a damp cloth rather than washing the garment in the washing machine. Finally, we should only wash them in the washing machine as a last resort, if the stains are very stubborn. This is when we need to know how to wash them without them getting damaged in the washing machine.

Washing cycles for denim

Washing them with cold water is fundamental, as this will avoid them fading and losing their original shape. The ideal temperature for washing denim is under 30 degrees. Moreover, they should be washed on a short washing cycle, and if your machine has a delicate cycle, you should use it. Avoid spinning too, because that makes denim lose its shape and the garment will come out more creased.

Type of detergent

Denim comes in all colours, which is why we recommend using a detergent for coloured garments. The colours will keep their tone with this type of detergent. If the denim contains a high percentage of elastane (stretch denim), it should be washed using a mild detergent to protect the fibres in the fabric. In any event, you should avoid using universal detergent for denim, since the whitening agents they contain can make your denim fade prematurely.

How to wash your jeans for the first time

Be careful if you are washing new jeans for the first time. You should wash them on their own or with other dark coloured garments, as the dye usually runs and stains other items. Whether they are new or old, you should always turn them inside out before putting them in the washing machine. This will reduce the abrasion that causes fading, and also wear on the hems, pockets and seams of the zip and waist.

How often should we wash jeans?

This is a very common question, and the answer is the same as for any other garment. The more we wash them, the more they will wear and spoil. Having said that, clothing made from denim is much stronger. We can therefore apply two generally accepted rules to reply to that question.

• Several experts agree that denim should not be washed, although if washing is necessary, they should be washed as little as possible. Others recommend washing jeans after wearing them about 10 times.
• Nevertheless, a more widely accepted rule is to use our eyes and nose to check if they need washing. In other words, if there are no stains on our denim garments and they don’t smell bad, we can carry on wearing them without worrying about it not being very hygienic.