When it comes to caring for denim, one of the most debated questions is how often you should wash your jeans. Denim has been and will continue to be a wardrobe staple, but unlike other garments in your wardrobe, jeans don't necessarily need to be washed after every wear. In fact, washing them too frequently can do more harm than good, but it ultimately depends on how often you wear them, and what you're doing in them. Weekend wear only? You can go weeks or months between washes. Do you have a desk job? Months, easily. Work in construction? That's trickier and more subject to the type of materials you come into contact with on a day-to-day basis.
Are you washing your jeans too much?
Washing jeans less often isn’t just a time-saver; it'll prolong the dyes and overall lifespan of your denim. Denim is a sturdy cotton fabric designed to withstand multiple wears before needing a wash, so think twice before you toss your denim jeans into the laundry at the end of the day.
Consider some of the best jeans you've had in your life. Good, right? Do you recall how over time the fabric lost its shape, faded in color, and weakened? Skipping regular laundering can slow the breakdown of the raw denim fibers. Plus, did you know that the natural oils from your body help break in the denim and create that personalized fit that makes your jeans uniquely yours? Overwashing can strip away these oils, leading to stiffer fabric and a less comfortable feel. It's also part of the reason you feel like you need to "break in" your jeans again after they go through the wash.
If you work at a heavy-duty job, you may be able to prolong the time between washes with spot cleaning. This might involve targeting stains with fabric sprays, or it might involve using a hand vacuum to remove sawdust from the fibers at the end of the workday. Your routine should always include hang-drying the denim to let fabric air out. "Everyday jeans should be washed infrequently, while work denim can be washed based on its task—typically after particularly dirty jobs or when it feels stiff," notes Charlie Downes Jackson, Director of Advanced Concepts and Sustainability at Timberland "Only wash when necessary, and air dry to enhance longevity. The patina of the denim will tell the story of your jeans so don’t worry too much about wear and tear!"
How to Safely Wash Your Jeans
We're a big fan of letting the jeans breathe as a first resort to laundering, but inevitably, when the time comes to run dirty jeans through the wash, it’s important to do it right. "Always wash inside out in cold water, avoiding bleach and tumble drying to maintain fabric quality," emphasizes Downes Jackson.
- Turn your pair of jeans inside out. This prevents color fading and protects the fabric from abrasion during the wash cycle. While you're at it, look at the care instructions.
- Use cold water. It helps preserve the dye and prevent shrinkage. You can opt for slightly warm water too without much risk. Avoid hot water entirely, especially if your favorite jeans have some stretch.
- Choose a gentle detergent. Opt for a mild detergent that’s free of harsh chemicals, which can damage the fabric. And, if you can help it, use less detergent than normal. A little goes a long way at removing dead skin cells,
- Select a gentle cycle. A delicate cycle minimizes agitation, which reduces wear and tear on the fabric and also reduces the chance of fading.
- Avoid using a tumble dryer. Line dry or lay your favorite flat to keep them from shrinking or losing shape. Dryer heat is too intense for your denim. Some folks' personal preference is to line dry them and then tumble on low heat to soften the rigid denim, but it can still put your piece of clothing at risk.
- Spot clean when possible. For minor stains, splashes, and spots, spot cleaning is an easy way to extend time between washes.
FAQ
What happens to your blue jeans if you wash them too much?
Washing your jeans too frequently leads to color fading, fabric thinning, and loss of elasticity. Repeated exposure to water, detergent, and agitation breaks down the fibers, making your favorite pair look worn out and less durable over time. Dark denim lightens, designer jeans lose their shape, and colored jeans fade.
How can you refresh jeans without washing them?
If your jeans need a refresher but not a full wash, try hanging them in fresh air to reduce odors. You can also use a fabric freshener spray or place them in the freezer overnight in a plastic bag to kill bacteria.
