How do you wash jeans?
Jeans might just be the most beloved piece in your wardrobe. To help your jeans maintain their shape and color for as long as possible, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to washing and care. Here at NELLY, we’re sharing our best tips on how to wash your jeans the right way.
How often should you wash your jeans?
It depends a bit on how much you wear them and what you do in them. If you wear your jeans daily and expose them to a lot of dirt, sweat, or spills, they may need to be washed more often. However, for many people, washing jeans every fifth to tenth wear is enough. Our rule of thumb is to air them out between wears and only wash them when it’s actually necessary. That way, the denim fabric stays in better shape, and you extend the life of the garment.
At what temperature should you wash your jeans?
Most jeans do best when washed at 30 degrees Celsius. It’s both more environmentally friendly and gentler on the fibers, which helps prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Some brands can handle up to 40 degrees, but it’s always a good idea to check the care label — the recommended temperature is usually listed there.
Step-by-step: How to wash jeans in a washing machine
1. Pre-treat any stains. Use a mild stain remover and gently dab on the stain before placing the jeans in the machine.
2. Turn the jeans inside out to protect the surface. This is especially important when washing dark jeans, as it prevents the color from fading unnecessarily.
3. Sort by color and material. Wash jeans with other clothes in a similar color range and preferably made from similar materials. This way, you can avoid light-colored items getting discolored.
4. Choose a gentle program. A delicate or color wash program works well for most jeans and causes less wear on the fabric.
5. Adjust the temperature. The gentlest temperature is 30 degrees Celsius, but always follow the garment's own washing instructions.
6. Use the right detergent. A mild and preferably liquid detergent helps preserve the color better than a strong powder detergent.
7. Skip fabric softener. In general, we don't recommend fabric softener for jeans. It can break down elastane and negatively affect the fit.
8. Hang dry or air dry. The best way to dry jeans is to hang them by the waistband or on a pair of pants hangers. Avoid using the tumble dryer, as the heat can cause shrinkage and damage the fibers.
Washing jeans with other clothes
You can definitely wash jeans with other clothes, as long as the color tones match and you follow the correct washing temperature. Light jeans can usually be washed with light tops or t-shirts, while dark jeans can be paired with other dark garments. Just remember that new jeans may bleed color during the first few washes. So, wash new jeans separately before wearing them, or with items in the same shade, to prevent color transfer.
Washing black jeans – How to preserve the color
Many people want their black jeans to maintain their deep color for as long as possible. Here are our best tips:
-Turn them inside out to minimize friction against other clothes.
-Wash them at 30 degrees Celsius and preferably in a short wash cycle.
-Use a detergent designed for dark clothes. There are special versions that help preserve the color pigments.
After washing – Give your jeans some extra love
-Shape the jeans to the right fit while they’re still damp to avoid wrinkles.
-Avoid ironing jeans unless absolutely necessary – the heat can cause any elastane to lose its stretch.
Summary – our best tips for washing jeans
Wash your jeans at 30 degrees Celsius and choose a gentle cycle.
Skip fabric softener to preserve both the fit and elastane.
Sort clothes by color and material, especially when washing black jeans or dark shades.
Turn the jeans inside out to protect the surface and reduce wear.
Dry your jeans by hanging them by the waistband or over a hanger.
By following these tips, it will be easier to maintain the fit of your jeans. At NELLY, we know that the right washing routine extends the lifespan of your favorite jeans, so now you can focus on the fun part – styling them to create a complete look. Good luck!