Like a best friend, your jeans take care of you — but are you taking care of them? Although denim is durable and made to last for years to come, you can still do your part to maintain them as well. You might be surprised to learn that Levi’s, the famous maker of jeans, recommends washing them sparingly. They say over-washing them can ruin the unique characteristics of your jeans, such as the creases and fades that naturally develop with wear. Levi’s rule of thumb is to wash your jeans after about 10 wears, unless they’re visibly dirty or start to smell. Between washes, spot clean any stains with a mild soap and damp cloth or an old toothbrush. Contrary to what you’ve heard, Levi’s CEO Chip Bergh cautions against tossing your jeans in the freezer. While it’s been purported that doing so kills bacteria and removes oil that together cause odors, it doesn’t actually work. When you are ready to wash your jeans, Levi’s recommends:
- 1. Turn them inside out, which protects the outer color from fading and minimizes direct contact with chemicals and detergents.
- 2. Zip and button up everything, making sure they won’t snag once they’re in the washer.
- 3. Wash them with similar colors to prevent dye transfer.
- 4. Don’t overload the washing machine. Give your jeans enough space to move freely during the wash cycle, reducing the risk of damage.
- 5. Avoid fabric softener because they can leave a residue on denim that could affect texture and appearance.
- 6. Wash in cold water only to prevent color loss and shrinkage.
- 7. Choose the gentle cycle to reduce wear and tear on the fabric.
- 8. When your jeans are finished in the washer, air dry them, avoiding hanging them in direct sunlight. Using the dryer can damage denim, as well as shrink it. Air drying preserves the fit, color and fabric. The best method is to air dry them on a drying rack, which allows air to circulate around the jeans and speeds up the drying process.
