Denim Care 101: How to Wash and Care for Your Jeans
Denim Care 101: How to Wash and Care for Your Jeans
As someone who works with denim every day, I’ve seen first-hand how the way you care for your jeans affects how long they last. Whether it’s a raw selvedge pair you’ve broken in perfectly or your go-to everyday skinnies, the right washing routine can make a huge difference.
How Often Should You Wash Jeans?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s what I tell my customers:
- Every 5–10 wears is a good rule of thumb for most denim.
- If your jeans have visible dirt, use a wet cloth to clean it.
- If your jeans smell, hang them outside and let them air dry, ideally in the sun. Fresh air helps break down odour-causing bacteria, while sunlight has a natural antibacterial effect.
- Raw denim (especially selvedge) fans often wait months between washes to preserve fades. That’s fine, just make sure you air them out and spot clean as needed.
The Best Way to Wash Jeans
To protect your denim from unnecessary wear and colour loss, here’s what I recommend:
- Turn your jeans inside out — it reduces friction and fading on the outside.
- Use cold water — warm or hot water can shrink and weaken fabric.
- Choose a gentle detergent — preferably one made for dark colours.
- Skip the spin cycle if you can — and definitely skip the tumble dryer.
- Air dry flat or hang from the waist — not the hems (to avoid stretching).
Should You Ever Freeze Jeans?
There’s a myth out there that freezing jeans will kill bacteria and remove odours. I hate to break it to you, but… it doesn’t work. The bacteria that cause smells aren’t killed at freezer temps. If your jeans stink, simply wash them.
How to Keep Jeans From Wearing Out
Good care habits can help you avoid repairs — or at least delay them:
- Don’t overwear one pair. Rotate your jeans to give them rest.
- Choose quality denim. Heavier weights and tighter weaves last longer.
- Watch for early wear in the crotch, knees, and pockets — and reinforce before they rip.
When Care Isn’t Enough — We Can Help
Even with great care, denim eventually breaks down, especially in high-stress areas like the crotch, seat, or knees. That’s where we come in.
At Repair My Denim, we offer invisible denim repairs for all kinds of wear and tear. Whether it’s a blowout or thinning fabric, we can patch, blend, and reinforce your jeans so they’re ready for years more wear.
If you’ve noticed fading seams, stressed fabric, or a tiny hole starting to form, don’t wait. It’s easier (and cheaper) to fix early.
Most people don’t realise how much damage can be avoided with just a few small changes to how they care for their denim. I’ve repaired jeans that could’ve lasted years longer with the right wash routine. Hopefully this helps you keep yours going strong.
Cosmin
Founder, Repair My Denim