How to Wash and Care for Denim Jeans

Denim is one of the most durable fabrics in existence — properly cared for, a quality pair of jeans can last 10 years or more. The biggest mistake most people make with denim: washing too frequently and too aggressively. Here's what actually extends the life of your jeans.

How Often Should You Actually Wash Jeans?

Most people wash jeans far too often. A pair of dark wash dress jeans worn to the office 2-3 times per week can go 5-10 wearings between washes under normal circumstances. Casual jeans worn during everyday activities: similar.

Signs it's time to wash:

• Visible dirt or staining
• Perceptible odor
• The denim has stretched out so much it's no longer fitting well (machine washing in warm water typically restores denim to original fit)

The Levi Strauss CEO famously hasn't washed his jeans in years. While that's an extreme position, the underlying principle is valid: less frequent washing dramatically extends denim life and color retention.

Between Washes: Odor Control

To extend time between washes without odor developing:

• Air jeans out by turning inside out and hanging after wearing
• For odor that develops between washes: spray lightly with vodka diluted 50/50 with water and allow to air dry. Alcohol kills odor-causing bacteria without washing.
• Freezing: some denim enthusiasts freeze jeans to kill surface bacteria. This works for surface odor but doesn't remove oils and soil embedded in fabric.

When You Do Wash: How to Do It Right

Turn inside out. This protects the outer surface — the part you see — from friction and fading during washing. Inside surfaces take the wear, outside surfaces look fresh longer.

Cold water, every time. Hot water causes denim to shrink and fade significantly faster. Cold water maintains size and color while still cleaning effectively.

Delicate or gentle cycle. Reduces mechanical wear on denim's cotton fibers and hardware (rivets, buttons, zippers).

Detergent for darks (for dark jeans). Standard detergents with optical brighteners strip dark indigo dye. Use a dark-formulated detergent for dark jeans.

Wash similar colors together. New dark denim will bleed indigo in the first few washes. Wash new dark jeans separately or with other dark items the first 3-4 washes.

Drying Denim

Air drying preserves both color and size: Lay flat or hang to dry. Laying flat preserves the pocket shape and prevents stretching from hanging while wet and heavy.

If using the dryer: Medium heat only, and remove while still slightly damp. Over-drying denim causes shrinkage, especially in the length. Finish drying flat or on a hanger.

Dry Cleaning Denim

Some high-end designer denim is labeled "dry clean only" — these should be taken seriously. Designer raw denim and selvedge denim with complex finishing or distressing can be damaged by home washing.

River Oaks Cleaners handles designer and specialty denim cleaning for those pieces where home washing isn't appropriate.

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River Oaks Cleaners, Houston's professional dry cleaner for over 35 years. Free pickup and delivery. Call (713) 523-7474.