Jeans are one of the most versatile and durable items in your wardrobe, but they can also be tricky to care for. When Should Jeans Be Washed? How often should you wash your jeans to keep them clean, fresh, and long-lasting? The answer may surprise you.
The Case for Washing Jeans Less Often
Many experts agree that jeans should be washed as infrequently as possible or never at all. Why? Here are some reasons:
- Washing jeans too often can cause them to fade, shrink, lose shape, and wear out faster.
- Washing jeans use a lot of water, energy, and detergent, which can harm the environment.
- Washing jeans can release microfibers into the water, harming marine life and ending up in our food chain.
How to Tell When Your Jeans Need a Wash
So how do you know when your jeans are due for a wash? There is no definitive answer, as it depends on factors such as how often you wear them, what you do in them, how dirty they get, and how they smell. Therefore, some general guidelines are:
- Wash your jeans after 10 or so wears, or whenever they smell stale or unpleasant.
- Wash your jeans after 4-5 wearings if they are stretchy or have elastane.
- Wash your jeans after 1 wearing if they are workout clothes or have stains.
How to Wash Your Jeans Properly
If you do decide to wash your jeans, here are some tips to do it right:
- Wash your jeans inside out, in cold water, and on a gentle cycle.
- Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach or fabric softener.
- Air-dry your jeans or tumble-dry dry on low heat.
- If your jeans are dark or colored, add a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle to prevent fading.
How to Keep Your Jeans Fresh Between Washes
If you want to extend the time between washes, there are some ways to keep your jeans fresh and odor-free:
- Hang your jeans outside in the sun or breeze to air them out.
- Spray your jeans with a fabric freshener or a mixture of water and vodka to kill bacteria and remove odors.
- Alternatively, you can freeze your jeans in a ziplock bag overnight to kill germs and eliminate smells
- Spot-clean any stains with a damp cloth and mild soap.
Conclusion
Jeans are a staple in many people’s closets, but they don’t need to be washed as often as you might think. Washing jeans less often can help them last longer, look better, and be more eco-friendly. However, if you wash your jeans, do it properly and follow the care instructions on the label. And don’t forget to freshen up your jeans between washes with some simple tricks. Happy denim days!