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Common Mistakes When Machine-Washing Your Denim

"There are common misconceptions about machine-washing jeans, with some believing it leads to color fading and damage. Join Bach Hoa XANH as we uncover and address the 5 common mistakes that can cause your jeans to fade when machine-washed!"

Administrator

11 July, 2024

Keeping your denim jeans looking vibrant and new can be tricky, so let’s explore five common mistakes you might be making and how to avoid them!

1Not Turning Jeans Inside Out Before Washing

Failing to turn jeans inside out before washing can lead to color fading.

This is a very common mistake that leads to color fading in jeans. By not turning them inside out, the outer layer of the fabric takes a beating in the washing machine, causing the color to fade and the jeans to look dull.

To avoid this, always remember to turn your jeans inside out, zip them up, and button them before washing to maintain the vibrancy of the fabric.

2Skipping the Fabric Softener Step

Skipping the use of fabric softener is a mistake when washing jeans.

Many people admit to skipping this step, thinking that detergent alone is sufficient. However, detergent only removes dirt, while fabric softener helps to soften the fibers, making your jeans more comfortable to wear and keeping them softer for longer.

Be sure to always use fabric softener when doing your laundry to help protect and soften your jeans.

3Not Hanging Jeans to Dry Immediately After Washing

Not hanging jeans to dry immediately after washing can result in wrinkles.

It’s important to hang your jeans to dry as soon as the washing cycle is complete. Otherwise, they may develop unpleasant odors and wrinkles, which are more challenging to remove from denim fabric. To ensure your jeans stay fresh and wrinkle-free, hang them up promptly after washing.

4Washing Multiple Pairs of Jeans Together

Washing multiple pairs of jeans together can damage buttons and zippers.

You might think tossing all your jeans into the machine at once is efficient, but it can lead to damage to buttons and zippers as they knock against each other during the wash cycle. To avoid this, limit yourself to washing just 1-2 pairs of jeans at a time.

5Choosing the Wrong Washing Program

Selecting the wrong washing program can cause denim fabric to wear out.

Since jeans don’t get as dirty as other garments, they require a gentler washing program to prevent color fading and fabric wear. Modern washing machines offer delicate cycles with cool water settings, which are ideal for keeping your jeans looking new.

Now you know the five most common mistakes to avoid when machine-washing your jeans. By being mindful of these errors, you can keep your denim looking fresh and new for longer!

Frequently asked questions

There are several mistakes people often make when machine-washing their denim clothing. These include washing denim too frequently, using the wrong detergent or fabric softener, washing denim inside out, overloading the washing machine, and choosing the wrong water temperature.

It is recommended to wash your denim jeans as infrequently as possible, ideally only once every 3-6 months, or when they are visibly soiled or stained. Overwashing can fade the color and break down the fabric over time.

A mild, liquid laundry detergent is best for washing denim. Avoid using powdered detergents as they can leave residue on the fabric. Fabric softener is not recommended as it can coat the fibers and reduce the denim’s natural flexibility.

No, denim should be washed right side out. Washing denim inside out can cause the color to fade unevenly and may also trap dirt and oils inside the fabric.

Do not overload your washing machine when washing denim. Leave enough room for the jeans to move around freely in the wash. It is recommended to wash denim separately or with other similar colors to avoid color bleeding.

The best water temperature for washing denim is cold or lukewarm. Hot water can cause denim to shrink and fade more quickly. Always check the care label on your denim item for specific instructions.