The Secret to Keeping Your Denim Looking Brand New

23 November, 2024

There can be numerous reasons for jeans to fade, including fabric quality, excessive use of bleach, or exposure to high temperatures when sun-drying. However, the primary cause is often improper laundry techniques. To prevent jeans from fading, consider the following tips:

1. Understand the Care Symbols on the Jeans’ Label

When you purchase a new pair of jeans, pay attention to the care symbols on the label. To maintain the color and shape of your jeans, follow the instructions provided on the label.

The first symbol, a washbasin with a number 40, indicates that the jeans should not be washed in water above 40 degrees Celsius.

The washbasin symbol with two horizontal lines below it means that the jeans can be machine-washed but on a gentle cycle. Thus, each symbol on the label provides precise instructions on how to properly care for your jeans to maintain their color, shape, and elasticity.

2. Tips for Washing Jeans to Prevent Fading

Hand-Washing Jeans

– Turn your jeans inside out to minimize the contact between the dyed surface and water or detergent, thus reducing color fading.

– Fill a basin or bucket with warm water, add half a cup of white vinegar, and a small amount of mild liquid detergent or color-safe detergent.

– Soak the jeans in the basin (maximum 60 minutes) to effortlessly remove stains without the need for vigorous scrubbing.

– Rinse the jeans by refilling the basin with water or using a showerhead.

– Before hanging them out to dry, turn the jeans inside out again.

Machine-Washing Jeans

– Turn your jeans inside out.

– The dye in jeans can be released due to the agitation of the washing machine and high water temperatures. Therefore, when machine-washing jeans, set the spin and temperature settings to the lowest option.

– Add an appropriate amount of mild liquid detergent with a slightly alkaline pH, along with half a cup of white vinegar.

– Once the cycle is complete, promptly remove the jeans from the machine. Shake each leg vigorously to reduce wrinkles before hanging them to dry in a shaded area.

Additional Notes for Laundering and Drying Jeans to Prevent Fading

1. Regardless of the type of jeans, adding vinegar to the wash cycle as mentioned above helps prevent color fading. Vinegar also acts as a stain softener, reducing washing time, and has antibacterial properties.

2. The spinning cycle in a washing machine can cause slight color loss, so it is recommended to hand-wash jeans.

3. Avoid using a dryer as the heat can cause shrinkage and potential color loss. Similarly, direct sunlight can lead to discoloration. Opt for a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, such as a porch or balcony, for drying.

4. To maintain the shape and avoid wrinkles, use clips to hang jeans on a line or use hangers with clips.