THE right pair of jeans can make you feel incredible from the second you pull them on.
So it’s no wonder that most of us will want to keep our favourite pairs looking their best for as long as possible.
But did you know you could be ruining them by washing them too often?
While you may be used to giving them regular spins in the machine, it may be best to actually avoid those deep cleans.
A laundry expert has warned that over-washing jeans can shorten the lifespan of denim, meaning favourite pairs could wear out sooner than necessary.
Addie Mitchell, Brand Manager at Stergene, revealed exactly how often you should really be washing them and why washing them too much can damage them.
The pro said: “Jeans are designed to be durable, but that doesn’t mean they need to go through the washing machine every time they are worn.
“As a general guide, standard and stretchy jeans should be washed every three to five wears, while rigid or non-stretch jeans can generally go eight to ten wears.
“Raw denim can go much longer, with two to six months between washes, or around once a month, depending on how often they are worn.
“Frequent washing can gradually change the appearance and feel of denim.
8 JEANIUS TIPS
EXPERTS at Levi's have revealed the eight steps everyone should take when washing jeans in the machine.
- Turn them inside out – this (usually forgotten) step protects the outer colour from fading and minimises direct contact with chemicals and detergents.
- Zip and button everything up – this helps maintain their shape and prevent snagging once they’re in the machine.
- Separate your colours – keeping dark jeans with dark clothes and light jeans with light-coloured clothes can prevent dye transfer.
- Don’t overload the machine – putting too much in the machine can stop your jeans from moving freely around the wash cycle, causing friction and damage.
- Use a mild detergent – a mild detergent that’s formulated for darker colours can help prevent fading.
- Avoid fabric softeners – these leave residue on denim that can affect texture and appearance, opt for a vinegar rinse to soften it naturally.
- Wash in cold water – Make sure the temperature is 30 degrees or less, hot water increases the chances of shrinkage and colour loss.
- Choose the gentlest cycle – Levi’s recommends setting your wash cycle to the gentle or delicate setting to reduce wear and tear on the fabric.
“The repeated combination of water, detergent and friction can cause the colour to fade, and the fabric can become thinner and more prone to fraying over time.
“Stretch denim can be particularly affected, as repeated washing and drying can cause the fibres to lose their elasticity, meaning jeans can start to lose their shape and fit.
“Washing less frequently can help protect the denim and keep a favourite pair looking better for longer.”
Instead, the pro recommended spot cleaning between washings to get rid of little marks as they come.
Since small marks do not necessarily mean a full wash is needed, this helps extend the time between full washes.
Addie added: “If there is just a small mark or spill, there is often no need to wash the whole pair of jeans.
“Spot cleaning the affected area can be a simple way to deal with marks between washes.
“I always keep a pack of Stergene stain removal wipes with me to target small stains quickly.
“The earlier you get to a stain, the less likely it is to set, so dealing with it as soon as possible can save putting the whole pair through a wash – and limits the risk of a permanent mark.
“Following the care label and avoiding unnecessary washes can help keep jeans looking and fitting well for longer, which can also reduce the wear caused by repeated washing.”
